UK Parliament / Open data

Cattle: Animal Welfare

Written question asked by Iain Wright (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 June 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 7 June 2010. It was answered by James Paice (Conservative) on Tuesday, 8 June 2010 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on the practice of factory farming of dairy cows.

Answer

The welfare of livestock, including cows, is protected by the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006. There are codes of recommendations published on the DEFRA website which farmers are required by law to have access to, and be familiar with, which encourage high standards of husbandry. Enforcement action can be taken against farmers who do not comply with this legislation.The Government welcome innovative and entrepreneurial efforts by dairy farmers to improve their global competitiveness, while protecting the environment and meeting animal welfare standards. All dairy cattle, in whatever system they are kept, are protected by comprehensive animal welfare legislation in England. It is important to recognise that poor welfare can occur in both intensive and extensive systems, and the most significant influence on the welfare of livestock is the stock-keeper, not the system in which it is reared.

Type
Written question
Reference
1456; 511 c87W
Session
2010-12
Back to top