The British Ministry of Agriculture is considering a ban on the export of live animals sold for slaughter or further fattening.
Defra announces new measures to improve animal welfare in the Twenty Page Action Plan. In addition to the ban on live animal exports, the ministry will also investigate the use of cages to house chickens and crates for pig transportation.
In support of the action plan, the European Ministry of Agriculture says the exit from the EU provides an opportunity to raise animal welfare standards to a higher level. According to Agriculture Minister George Eustace, the announced actions prove that the United Kingdom is the country of animal lovers and the first country to be enshrined in animal rights law.
Concern about a level playing field
In response, Minette Patterson, president of the National Farmers’ Association (NFU), said she was concerned about the playground for British farmers. He points out that while the British government is setting a high standard in its own country, it is not certain that the same animal welfare standards will apply to imports of animal products.
