Livestock
Concern over government plan to ratchet up animal welfare
• Fears farmers may lose out to imports
• Anger at proposals to ban live exports
• UK farmers ‘must not be undermined’
G
overnment plans to ratchet up animal welfare rules must not leave UK producers unfair-
ly disadvantage, say livestock indus- try leaders.
Plans for legislative changes in key areas covering animal welfare were unveiled in last month’s Queen’s speech. Although some of the inten- tions were seen as welcome, farm lead- ers say others could have unintended consequences.
The proposals cover five key are-
as, including recognition of sentience, and the consideration of animal wel- fare in policy making and trade negoti- ations, along with enhanced protection for livestock, pets, and wild animals. National Sheep Association chief executive Phil Stocker said: “There were both welcome and unwelcome in- tentions outlined within the Queens Speech and as is often the case the dev- il will be in the detail as these Bills get developed. “We are enthusiastic about be- ing a global leader in health and wel-
Low standard imports
NFU President Minette Batters said British farmers were proud to have some of the highest standards of an- imal welfare in the world and it was clear the government wanted to be a global leader in this area.
But farmers must not be under- mined by lower standard imports. “We want to see the same energy and lead- ership that is being proposed for pro- tecting endangered species and wild- life crime to be applied to our asks in equivalence in trade.
Government to clamp down on dog attacks – and combat hare coursing. T NFU deputy president Stuart Roberts
said: “I’m pleased that the government has recognised more can be done to tackle ru- ral crime, which continues to plague farm- ers and rural communities.
The NFU had raised the issue of rural crime at the highest level of government, said Mr Roberts. It had shared with min-
he government’s action plan includes a commitment to introduce stronger powers to tackle livestock worrying
isters and MPs just how farming families suffer emotionally, mentally and financially from increasing levels of rural crime. “This plan to explore better powers to
tackle livestock worrying and a pledge to in- troduce laws that crack down on hare cours- ing are significant steps that must be rec- ognised,” said Mr Roberts. The National Sheep Association said dog
attacks on livestock caused emotional and economic distress. And it welcomed the plan to ensure the police had new powers to re-
spond to the most serious incidents. NSA chief executive Phil Stocker said: “The National Sheep Association has worked tirelessly to achieve a change in legislation in England and Wales protecting sheep farm- ers more effectively from dog attacks.” Scotland introduced new legislation ear- lier this year that will see dog owners face fines of up to £40,000 and prison for the most serious offences. Mr Stocker said: “We hope the UK will soon be an equal playing field.”
JUNE 2021 • ANGLIA FARMER 57
fare standards, but these have to be based on evidence and practicality. It will not advance welfare of animals if these standards aren’t a requirement for food imports to the UK.” Mr Stocker said the NSA remained highly concerned over proposals on livestock journey times and welfare in transport. He added: “We do not feel that an outright ban on live exports for slaughter is necessary. “We believe there are more creative and intelligent ways to ensure good welfare outcomes and that there are cases where moving animals short distances across the English Chan- nel makes sense.”
Better animal health and wellbeing
was to be welcomed, said Mr Stocker. But he added: “Clarity is still sought on exactly what support will look like for health and welfare enhancements that are valued by the public.”
The UK already has some of the highest animal welfare rules
“I have serious concerns about the government’s intention to raise the bar at home, without any certainty that the same standards will be applied to imports. There are still many practic- es allowed [overseas] that are banned here on welfare grounds.” Mrs Batters said it was not uncom- mon to see journey times for live an- imals in Australia exceed 24 hours without access to feed or water. In com- parison, the UK had consulted on re- ducing domestic journey times in the UK to eight hours.
“If the government is to raise the welfare bar here, it must do so for food imports. We cannot have a situation where British farmers adhere to some of the highest standards, only to be un- dercut by imports that barely meet the lowest rung on the ladder.”
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76
