There has been a sixfold increase in the number of animal health issues dealt with by the Isle of Wight Council in 2025/26 compared to the previous year, with one case of ‘seriously compromised’ welfare. She told councillors that farming is an industry under ‘a lot of pressure’, in response to a question on the rise from environment and community protection committee chair, Councillor Karen Lucioni. “We did have one particular case of a gentleman whose animals… the welfare of them was seriously compromised.” “The Trading Standards team – we are developing a lot of apprentices. We have apprentices working towards their animal health qualifications so we can safeguard our animals and livestock on the Island.”