Raid on Sutherland stud farm uncovers unauthorised animal drugs

Animal medication banned in this country was discovered in a raid on a Sutherland stud farm, it has emerged.

Defra Investigation Services (DIS) said it had been investigating Caledonia Dressage Horses, in conjunction with the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) Scotland and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).

The business was founded by Reay Campbell and is located at Balblair, on the outskirts of Bonar Bridge.

Caledonia Dressage Horses breeds elite quality dressage foals for sale to buyers around the world.

A news release on the UK Government website stated that a number of products were seized by a DIS officer as part of an investigation case and under the execution of a search warrant.

It said that the medicines were seized under Regulation 26 (possession of an unauthorised veterinary medicinal product) of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013.

The drugs included antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication and sedatives,

A government seizure notice has now been issued to the breeder with the drugs destroyed.

DIS confirmed they were not authorised medicines in the UK.

Mrs Campbell's husband, Pete, told the Northern Times: "During an inspection of our premises by VMD In June this year, a quantity of horse breeding drugs were removed by them for further investigation.

Following that investigation they have decided and have informed us that there is no case to prosecute and the case has now been closed."

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