Animal Aid campaign " Ban Zero Grazing"

I know that a number of my constituents support the Animal Aid campaign "Ban Zero Grazing" and are concerned for the welfare of diary cows in this country. It is of paramount importance that farm animals are cared for to the highest standard.

The welfare of cattle is protected by the Animal Welfare Act 2006 under which it is an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to any animal. The Act also contains a Duty of Care to animals which means that anyone responsible for an animal must take reasonable steps to make sure the animal’s needs are met.

The general requirements set out by the Act are also supplemented by more detailed requirements set out in the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007 (SI 2007 No 2078). These Regulations replaced the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2000 on 1st October 2007. These regulations set down, in detail, requirements for accommodation, tethering, inspection, diet and water.

Animal Health (formerly the State Veterinary Service) carries out welfare inspections on farms to check that the legislation and the welfare codes are being followed. The welfare codes are also constantly under review by the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC), an independent advisory body. They look at the welfare of farm animals on agricultural land, at market, in transit and at the place of slaughter. FAWC also advise the Government of any legislative or other changes that may be necessary.

If you would like further information on the codes of practice for keeping cattle the following link may be useful to you:

http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/farmed/cattle/booklets/cattcode.pdf

I have always believed in ensuring that the highest standards of animal welfare, as determined by science, are met. I also believe that it is vital that the same standards are enforced equally and simultaneously across the European Union and actively encouraged in other countries. 

 

I have drawn the aims of the campaign to the attention of Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

 

November 2009.