What is the Farm Animal Welfare Council?

Latest advice

The Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) is an independent advisory body established by the Government in 1979. Its terms of reference are to keep under review the welfare of farm animals on agricultural land, at market, in transit and at the place of slaughter; and to advise the Government of any legislative or other changes that may be necessary.

The Council can:

• investigate any topic falling within its remit.

• communicate freely with outside bodies, the European Commission and the public.

• publish its advice independently.

Latest advice

17 September 2008:

Consultation: The Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) has set up a Working Group to examine how education and communication can positively affect the welfare of farm animals (PDF 100 KB). Comments to Simon Renn in the FAWC Secretariat (to the address or e-mail in the consultation letter) by 24 October 2008. A news release (PDF 50 KB) has also been issued.

20 August 2008:

• FAWC responded to the Welsh Assembly Government's consultation on a new strategy for farming in Wales, "Farming, Food and Countryside - Building a Secure Future. The letter (PDF 30KB) is available here.
• FAWC responded to Defra's consultation on proposals for a 'Health Check' of the EU Common Agricultural Policy. The letter (PDF 50KB) is available here.

10 July 2008 - In response to a request from the Scottish Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Richard Lochhead MSP, FAWC has provided advice on the welfare standards for pigs in Great Britain (PDF 40KB).

1 July 2008 - FAWC has published its Annual Review 2007/2008 (3 MB - Please note this is a large file). Copies of this report can also be obtained from the FAWC Secretariat.

More advice..