Thank you for contacting me with regards to farm animal welfare.
The Government shares the public’s concern for animal welfare and the UK has one of the best scores on the World Animal Protection Index. The UK has a strong track record on welfare, for example, leading the way on the banning of battery cages for laying hens, sow stalls and veal crates. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare so that every animal is properly cared for and looked after.
We have led calls in Europe for the better enforcement of the bans on battery hen cages and sow stalls, with the UK farming industry spending millions of pounds to improve conditions for animals. To ensure the highest standards of animal welfare, we will make CCTV recording in slaughterhouses mandatory and as we leave the European Union, we will be able to take steps to increase controls on the export of farm animals for slaughter.
Thank you once again for taking the time to contact me.
