Animal welfare in focus
UK - NFU President Tim Bennett has given evidence to Parliament’s Environment Food and Rural Affairs Committee, supporting the objectives of the draft Animal Welfare Bill and the need for modern laws based on sound science that promote the welfare of farmed animals.
13 September 2004
2 minute read
The NFU’s interest
Codes that protect the welfare of farmed animals have been in place since the 1960s. The draft Bill extends this protection to domesticated animals. The proposals cover farmed animals too, but will replace existing laws that allow codes of recommendation to be established for the welfare of farmed animals.
The NFU is concerned that what is appropriate for laws protecting domestic animals like pets, may not be appropriate for animals that are kept for commercial purposes in farming.
View the NFU’s detailed comment on the draft Bill. (This document is available to NFU Online members).
What farmers do to ensure the welfare of their
animals
In addition to government legislation, the agricultural industry regulates itself to ensure high standards of animal health and welfare. This is done through the British Farm Standard.
Farmers know their animals can feel fear, pain and fatigue. They are committed to delivering the basic ‘five freedoms’ to their animals at every stage of their lives. These ‘freedoms’ are maintained and updated by the Farm Animal Welfare Council:
- Freedom from hunger and thirst
- Freedom from discomfort
- Freedom from pain, injury or disease
- Freedom to express normal behaviour
- Freedom from fear and distress
