THE suspension of a licence to kill over 30-month cattle at a West Devon abattoir has sparked a backlog of more than 4,000 animals waiting to be slaughtered — and poses implications for animal welfare and spiralling costs to farmers. The Meat Hygiene Service issued the suspension order to West Devon Meat's Hatherleigh abattoir after a mistake arose concerning samples of brain stem tissue taken from cows slaughtered at the base. Samples from 350 cattle were sent to the MHS, normal procedure as part of statutory testing to prevent BSE. But the MHS could only locate 349 samples and suspended the licence for over 30-month cattle while an investigation took place. It has since emerged that two samples had been sent together by mistake — but the licence has yet to be re-instated. West Devon Meat typically slaughters some 1,250 cattle and 2,000 sheep a week, but since the suspension a backlog has built up. The closest comparable abattoir involves a journey of hundreds of miles, which farmers are unwilling to undertake due to concerns over cost and animal welfare. West Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox this week pledged to press the Government to investigate and resolve the crisis, and has tabled a question in parliament calling for a speedy restoration of operations at the Hatherleigh abattoir. He said the prolonged suspension of the abattoir could threaten up to 50 jobs — and have a significent knock-on effect on the West Devon community. Mr Cox said: 'It is crucial that the issue is resolved and the abattoir fully re-opened as soon as possible. 'Already farmers and businesses are suffering from the lack of a full abattoir facility in Hatherleigh and it is vital that the Meat Hygiene Service and Defra work together to allow operations to recommence.' Ian Johnson, NFU spokesman, said: 'There is a very limited outlet for people here and if they have cattle ready to go and fodder is tight, it's going to be a colossal problem and it has to be resolved as a matter of great urgency.' Peter Bowyer, of West Devon Meat, said negotiations were still continuing with the MHS and he had no further news to report as the Times went to press yesterday (Wednesday). No one from the Meat Hygiene Service was available for comment.