FARMERS could resort to anarchy if swift action is not taken to let them move hungry livestock.

The government's new system of livestock movement licences is in complete chaos, with hundreds of applications but not one licence issued.

Yesterday Mr Phil Barber, branch secretary of Barnard Castle NFU, warned that desperate farmers might take matters into their own hands.

Even if a farmer gets a licence, every animal has to be blood tested - involving a three-week wait for results. Other restrictions could involve a further three-week delay.

Mr Barber spoke of one farmer whose sheep had eaten all the grass on the land they were on. He needed to move them to the farm, but was told he could not get a licence until next week. He would then have to wait at least a further three weeks for the blood test results.

Defra officials said the alternative was for them to be slaughtered under the animal welfare scheme, something the farmer did not want to do.

Another only wanted to move his sheep 500 yards but, again, needed a licence, with all that involved.

"Even if they get the administration right it does not allow the flexibility farmers need," said Mr Barber.

He wants Defra to relax the system so that farmers can at least move animals on their own land.

He does not blame the Newcastle control centre or trading standards who, he said, were trying their best.

He blamed the government for introducing a system which was not flexible or speedy enough.

Barnard Castle NFU holds an emergency meeting on Tuesday to discuss the situation.