FAWC 5/99 |
28 July 1999 |
PRESS NOTICE
FAWC has written to Elliot Morley about the need for rigorous monitoring and enforcement of animal welfare legislation. Coupled with reference to the appropriate welfare code, this is essential to achieving acceptable levels of animal welfare in the UK.
FAWC’s Chairman, Judy MacArthur Clark, said:
"The Council last published advice on enforcement issues in 1990. In the light of recent consultation by government about new animal welfare legislation, FAWC has provided Ministers with updated proposals which I believe will help to make stronger law and improve enforcement.
Much could be achieved in the short-term by better enforcement of existing arrangements. This may require additional resources from both central and local government but in the long-run will lead to improvements in farm animal welfare. Ideas we have in mind include the creation of a national standard for animal welfare enforcement leading to a uniform approach across the UK, provision of a well-trained and competent workforce and cross boundary authorisation of local authority inspectors. We also call for the urgent updating and strengthening of government welfare codes and an increase in the number of unannounced visits to premises by the State Veterinary Service."
Copies of the full text of the advice are available from this address and on the FAWC pages of MAFF’s animal welfare website, the home page of which is at (http://www.maff.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/default.htm)
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 organisations.
2. On 2 June the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food issued a consultation letter seeking comment on draft legislation (The Welfare of Farmed Animals Regulations) to replace the Welfare of Livestock Regulations 1994 (SI 2126). Further information about the consultation exercise can be obtained from MAFF, Animal Welfare Division (Room E2) at the above address (tel: 0181 330 8389).
3. Mrs Judy MacArthur Clark is a veterinary surgeon and advisor on biomedical science and ethics. She is 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.
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