Animal Health and Welfare

Farmers can expect big changes on animal welfare laws over the coming years, with the Government setting out plans for two new landmark Bills in this week’s Queen’s Speech.

A lack of border inspection post at French port Calais has meant live animals from the UK have been forced to make much longer journeys to meet their destinations, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has warned.

MPs on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee have been told that the Government has ‘failed to address’ deficiencies in the abattoir network in its consultation on livestock transport.

MPs on the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee have been told that the Government has failed to address deficiencies in the abattoir network in its consultation on livestock transport.

Farming Minister Victoria Prentis has confirmed Defra’s upcoming food labelling consultation will cover religious slaughter.

Sir David Amess, Conservative MP for Southend West, has called on the Government to adopt his Bill banning farrowing crates from 2027.

The British Poultry Council (BPC) has warned Defras proposals to limit livestock transit times are based on outdated research and will cripple the poultry meat supply chain.

The British Poultry Council (BPC) has warned Defra’s proposals to limit livestock transit times are based on outdated research and will ‘cripple’ the poultry meat supply chain.

Defra Secretary George Eustice has said the ventilation and temperature measures included in the livestock transport consultation were intended to support improvements in the poultry sector.

Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack has said he is ‘on industry’s side’ when it comes to concerns about Defra’s livestock transport consultation.