Farming body to direct animal welfare

03 May 2011

Posted by Michelle Devonshire

A new Government agency is being established in the UK that will be responsible for directing animal welfare in England.

According to Jim Paice, Agriculture and Food Minister, the body will provide recommendations on which future judgments will be based.

Speaking to the BBC's Farming Today, he stated that it will be overseen by the Department for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and will bring knowledge and experience "right into the centre" of Government decision-making.

Speaking on a podcast, he explained if the decision is made by ministers not to follow the recommendations being provided "we will have to stand up in public and explain why we are not taking that advice".

The Animal Health and Welfare Board for England will include specialists such as veterinarians, farmers and welfare experts, in addition to Government civil servants and the chief veterinary officer.

It will direct policy relating to the welfare of all kept animals, including pets, horses and livestock.