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Government’s Response to the FAWC Report on the Welfare Implications of Animal Breeding and Breeding Technologies in Commercial Agriculture

7th March 2007

Thank you for the opportunity to reply to the Government’s response to our Report on the Welfare Implications of Animal Breeding and Breeding Technologies in Commercial Agriculture (published June 2004).

You may already have seen a copy of my letter to Ministers of 25th January 2007 regarding Animal Breeding and Animal Welfare, in which I presented some of my views that are of direct relevance to this consultation. A copy is enclosed for completeness.

The main conclusion, which I draw from the draft response, is that Government accepts the general principle that advice on the impact of conventional and novel breeding technologies on farm animal welfare is needed but would prefer that this was provided by FAWC itself rather than by a new, separate body. The response gives details about the topics on which advice is needed, which, in the main, follow our original concerns and recommendations. The Farm Animal Welfare Council would be pleased to accept this work, which is well within its long-established terms of reference that are decided by Government.

However, you may also be aware that FAWC’s strategy (2006-2010) and immediate work programme have been agreed already and this new work could not start until 2008 without affecting other commitments. Once agreement has been reached with Government on this role for FAWC and the new work detailed, then discussion will be needed with Mr Segal and others about the resources required and priorities given to this topic relative to others.

The most likely means by which FAWC could provide this advice would be by appointment of a new member for 2008 with specialist expertise in farm animal breeding. This member would be given specific responsibility for this work and expected to draw upon the knowledge and expertise of other members of Council and the Secretariat as necessary. I would expect to agree a plan of work with Government, showing how the immediate requirements can be fulfilled, e.g.

• establishing relationships with UK breeding companies;
• advice on a code of good practice for breeding companies;
• issues relating to breeding technologies; and
• collaboration with the National Standing Committee on Farm Animal Genetic Resources and others.

In summary, the Council is willing to provide advice to Government on farm animal breeding and breeding technologies using its existing mechanisms, subject to additional resources being provided if needed.

FAWC Secretariat

• Professor Christopher Wathes letter of 25 January 2007 to Ben Bradshaw regarding animal breeding and animal welfare.