Key legislative priorities for animal welfare reform in the UK include fish welfare, sentience recognition for more species, and stronger enforcement of existing laws.
The current UK welfare legislative landscape combines genuine advances with significant gaps. The Sentience Act represents an important conceptual advance, but the Animal Sentience Committee's recommendations are advisory rather than mandatory. Fish welfare legislation does not reflect the scientific evidence for fish pain and sentience. The disconnect between import and production bans (as in foie gras) creates a legal incoherence. CCTV requirements that cover slaughter but not farm housing or transport miss the majority of welfare-critical moments. Legislative reform agenda priorities should be evidence-based, targeting the largest welfare impacts — farm animal housing standards, fish welfare, and stronger enforcement infrastructure.