§ 28. Mr. BurnsTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on changes in animal welfare since 1987.
§ Mr. SoamesSince 1987, regulations have come into force which ban the veal crate, phase out close confinement systems for pigs, set standards for battery hens and general welfare standards for all farm livestock.
Two new welfare codes for goats and farmed deer have been made.
Orders have been made to give further protection to all animals during transport and to farm animals and horses at markets.
Regulations have been made to give further protection to the welfare of livestock and poultry at slaughter and on the licensing of poultry slaughtermen. The Welfare of Animals at Slaughter Act 1991 provides powers to implement further welfare measures recommended by the Farm Animal Welfare Council, and statutory codes of practice have been introduced on the welfare of poultry and red meat animals at slaughter.
We are pressing for the high standards of animal welfare in this country to be extended throughout the European Community.