The UK has some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world and the Government is delivering a series of ambitious reforms, as outlined in the Action Plan for Animal Welfare.
Any breaches of animal welfare legislation are completely unacceptable and the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) investigates every allegation reported to it. All operational livestock farms, regardless of scale, must comply with all relevant legislation.
The APHA carries out investigations on farms to check compliance with the animal welfare legislation and codes. In most cases of non-compliance, the statutory enforcement body will be the local authority. The responsibility of the APHA is to support investigations where necessary. If a referral, complaint or allegation about poor welfare conditions on a farm is reported to APHA, an immediate veterinary risk assessment will be carried out and an inspection can be undertaken in 24 hours.
Further, the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway sets out how farmers and the Government will work together to improve continually the health and welfare of farmed animals, supported by the best science and evidence. Ministers have been looking to expand the pathway offer further to promote the production of healthier, higher welfare animals at a level beyond compliance with regulations.
Finally, under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, it is an offence to cause any animal unnecessary suffering or to fail to provide for its welfare needs. In addition, the Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Act provides one of the toughest sanctions in Europe. The Act’s maximum sentence of five years and / or an unlimited fine will apply to the most serious animal cruelty offences, including causing unnecessary suffering.