A SMALL minority of farmers was accused yesterday of being "criminally negligent" by flouting foot-and-mouth regulations and putting others at risk.

More than 70 detailed investigations are under way into alleged breaches of the precautions across North Yorkshire.

If strong enough cases are found against the farmers involved, then court action will be taken against them.

At least 20 of the investigations follow alleged breaches of precautions in the Thirsk bio-security intensification area created last month by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The area is subject to the toughest precautions in the country and the cases involve allegations of moving animals without a licence and altering movement licences

Trading standards officers are also examining allegations of failing to dispose of animal carcasses in the proper manner and not cleaning and disinfecting vehicles and clothing.

Graham Venn, assistant head of trading standards with North Yorkshire County Council, said: "We all know how difficult it has been for rural communities over the past six months, but we must do everything in our power to stop the spread of this disease.

"The vast majority of farmers have been doing all they can to stop the disease spreading, but there seems to be a small pocket of farmers whose actions can be described as criminally negligent.

"Four cases have been brought to trial already where farmers have been fined for breaching regulations, and we will not hesitate to prosecute in future.

"Where farmers have failed or deliberately breached precautions they are putting other people's livelihoods in danger and are undermining the efforts of responsible farmers."

Read more about the foot-and-mouth crisis here.