Document type: Ministerial guidance document published on the Gov.UK website
Author: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
Preview: Key messages
The government is committed to a generational step change in animal welfare, considering the developing body of scientific knowledge and our changing responsibilities. Animal welfare is a complex area that spans across species and sectors. The government will take an approach which considers animal welfare in the round, prioritizing those actions which make the biggest difference. This involves understanding and delivering what only the government can do, such as establishing a regulatory framework and providing a clear direction of travel, while also working in partnership with industry and others to collectively improve animal welfare, underpinned by an effective enforcement strategy. This strategy sets out how the government will take forward an ambitious program of reforms across four key areas: companion animals, wild animals, farmed animals, and internationally. This strategy identifies the priority actions for animal welfare to be taken throughout the course of this parliament. These include addressing loopholes around regulations governing the breeding of dogs and cats, banning snare traps, introducing a close season for hares, delivering on the manifesto commitment to ban trail hunting, consulting on phasing out the use of cages in farming, moving away from the use of carbon dioxide (CO2) to stun pigs, and introducing standards for the humane killing of fish. While the actions focus on England, some policies are relevant to other parts of the UK. We will continue to work closely with Devolved Governments on animal welfare matters to take coordinated action where appropriate. Underpinning all this work is the need for good enforcement. Effective compliance and enforcement of regulations are necessary to achieve good welfare. We rely on our network of operational delivery organizations, particularly local authorities, to ensure legislation is working effectively. The government will work with stakeholders to monitor the impacts of these changes and ensure that they are delivering the welfare improvements promised. This will be an ongoing endeavor as we continue to strive for the highest animal welfare standards.
