EMBARGOED UNTIL 12.00 5 JUNE 2000

FARM ANIMAL WELFARE COUNCIL TO DEVELOP A WIDER FOCUS

"It is not logical to act as though the concerns in our society about animal welfare relate only to British farming", says Judy MacArthur Clark, FAWC's Chairman.

Speaking at its Open Meeting in London today, Mrs MacArthur Clark said: "People wish to feel comfortable about the welfare standards associated with the food they eat, wherever it has been produced. Therefore we will be emphasising this point in fulfilling our role of advising Ministers on appropriate welfare standards to be applied in livestock farming."

"It means, among other things, that it must be possible to relate our own animal welfare standards to those of the livestock products we import, as well as those we produce at home."

In response to these concerns, Mrs MacArthur Clark announced that the Council had decided to take a 'food chain' approach, recognising that the welfare standards under which animals are produced are effectively a quality characteristic of livestock products consumed.

"The food industry plays an essential part in the implementation of welfare standards by the way they source livestock products" Mrs MacArthur Clark continued. "Recognition of customer preferences for 'welfare-friendly' products ought to result ultimately in uniform standards being applied to all livestock products on sale. In the meantime, clear and informative labelling which reflects the welfare characteristics of food products will enable consumers to feel assured that they are buying the kind of products they prefer".

The relationship between farm assurance schemes and farm animal welfare is the subject of a current study by FAWC which is due to be completed next year.

Notes for Editors

1. The Farm Animal Welfare Council was established by Government in 1979 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 GB Agriculture Ministers of any legislative or other changes that may be necessary. Members serve as individual experts and not as representatives of any organisation.

2. Mrs Judy MacArthur Clark is a veterinary surgeon and adviser on biomedical science and ethics. She is a past-president and currently a member of the Council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. She has been Chairman of FAWC since 1 January 1999.

3. In July 1999, FAWC launched a detailed study of farm assurance schemes applying to animals on farm, at market, in transit and at place of slaughter. The study is expected to be concluded next year with a report being prepared for Ministers on the effectiveness of current arrangements in delivering improved welfare.

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