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Animal welfare delivery strategy published

DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD AND RURAL AFFAIRS News Release (345/07) issued by The Government News Network on 2 October 2007

A strategy for improving animal welfare in England by building new relationships between Government and its key partners, was published today.

The Animal Welfare Delivery Strategy applies to all vertebrate animals under the care or control of humans. It sets five key goals:

* Improving the skills and knowledge of animal keepers;
* Developing more robust systems for monitoring welfare standards;
* Providing clear and simple information to consumers on the welfare history of animal products;
* Enforcing welfare rules effectively whilst minimising burdens on animal keepers;
* Working towards internationally-agreed standards for animal welfare.

Welcoming the strategy Jeff Rooker said:

"The Animal Welfare Delivery Strategy reinforces our commitment to high animal welfare standards. Legislation is already in place and the strategy sets out in more detail the goals we are seeking to achieve.

"The strategy places an increased emphasis on sharing responsibility for good animal welfare. It highlights the importance of innovative delivery mechanisms which build on the achievements already made through legislation and stakeholder led initiatives.

"We look forward to working closely with stakeholders to achieve the goals set out in the strategy."

Defra will be working in partnership with stakeholders over the next few months to agree an Implementation Action Plan. Delivery will be monitored by a new Sub-Group of the England Implementation Group.

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. The strategy is available at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/ahws/default.htm

2. The Animal Welfare Delivery Strategy builds on the principles set out in the 2004 Great Britain Animal Health and Welfare Strategy and is consistent with the new Animal Welfare Act.

3. The strategy has been developed with external advisers and responds to requests from animal interest groups for more detailed information on the Government's priorities in this area.

4. The strategy covers England only. Devolved Administrations are considering similar issues and Defra will share information on best practice with them.

5. The England Implementation Group is a Non Departmental Public Body which has been established to monitor delivery of the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy.

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