TWO men have appeared before Selby magistrates accused of moving animals without a licence while foot and mouth restrictions were still in force.

John Neville Stones, of Drax Hall Farm, Drax, and Gerald David Singleton, of Main Road, Drax, are charged with moving bovine animals on December 12 last year.

The prosecutions have been brought by North Yorkshire trading standards department, which also acts as the county's animal health authority.

All movements of animals had to be licensed during and after the outbreak of foot and mouth.

It is alleged that the bovine animals were moved without a licence to Selby livestock market for onward transmission to an abattoir.

Stones faces two charges and Singleton one.

The magistrates adjourned both cases to Tuesday July 23.

Updated: 15:05 Wednesday, July 03, 2002