Farmed Animals

Animal Welfare Policy and Legislation for Livestock

Strong, well-enforced welfare legislation is the most effective mechanism for improving conditions for the billions of animals in farming systems.

Key Facts

The UK Animal Welfare Act 2006 requires active provision of welfare, not merely absence of harm
EU Directive 98/58/EC provides baseline welfare standards for farmed animals
Enforcement of welfare legislation is often under-resourced and inconsistent
Post-Brexit UK farm welfare standards face downward pressure from trade agreements
Public opinion consistently supports high welfare standards and their enforcement

Welfare Considerations

Legislative frameworks set minimum standards and provide enforcement mechanisms that are essential for protecting farm animal welfare. However, legislation is only effective if adequately resourced, consistently enforced, and regularly updated to reflect scientific understanding. Trade agreements that allow the import of products produced to lower welfare standards undermine domestic efforts to raise standards.

What You Can Do

Contact your elected representatives to advocate for strong welfare legislation
Support organisations that monitor and advocate for welfare policy enforcement
Oppose trade agreements that allow lower welfare standard food imports
Raise awareness about the importance of welfare legislation among consumers
Support well-resourced and independent welfare inspection and enforcement