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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