Welfare of Animals Being Transported
I know people feel very strongly about the welfare of farmed animals.
I believe animals should receive the care, respect, and protection that they rightly deserve, in whatever farming system they are kept. I know the Government is determined to build on and maintain the UK’s world-leading record on animal health and welfare.
It is important to be aware that these are complex issues that need careful consideration. For example, during the consultation, both animal welfare advocacy groups and the poultry industry noted that the British poultry industry was not well-placed to transition to other methods of catching chickens. I am aware that barriers include health and safety concerns and labour shortages.
If we move too quickly and make UK production less competitive, there is a risk that we will import food from countries with lower welfare standards. Replacing a UK egg with an imported caged egg would be bad for the consumer, bad for producers and bad for animal welfare.
I understand that the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs have commissioned a research project to study the impact of various catching methods, including upright catching.This research will look at whether transitioning to upright catching delivers improvements in welfare outcomes and whether it is practically feasible.
I recognise it may come as a disappointment to you, but I understand the prayer motion was not selected and the legislation remains in place. Please rest assured I will continue to support the Government in its work to deliver high standards of farm animal welfare while providing stability for the farming sector.