Animal Welfare Strategy: Alliance briefs MPs ahead of debate

Ahead of a debate in Westminster Hall on Wednesday 21 January 2026, the Countryside Alliance has shared a briefing note about the government's proposals on animal welfare and the impact these may have on farming and the countryside.

The full briefing note can be downloaded here, and the key points have been summarised below.

• The Countryside Alliance has always supported the highest animal welfare 
  standards – but only when based on science and evidence.
• There is much in this strategy to be welcomed, especially the government’s 
  recognition of the extensive welfare legislation that has been passed in recent 
  years and that education, enforcement and better funding are all vital if the existing 
  laws are to deliver the welfare benefits intended.
• We welcome the fact that the government has acknowledged that animal welfare 
  must be considered in the context of its Food Strategy and its Trade Strategy. We 
  are concerned, however, that recognising the need to integrate welfare in these 
  strategies is not the same as actually doing so.  
• Improving animal welfare in farming is welcome, but there is little point in setting 
  ever higher standards at home while allowing the import of products produced in 
  countries with lower standards. The farming community needs a level playing field 
  to compete fairly.
• There is a danger that the Animal Welfare Strategy becomes little more than virtue 
  signalling, and that in some areas it will do more harm than good. Some of the 
  proposals could have far reaching and potentially damaging consequences for 
  farmers, rural communities, wildlife and biodiversity.
• Legislation targeting trail hunting is not necessary and not a priority for 
  government activity. It would represent another attack on the countryside and the 
  many thousands for whom hunts are an integral part of rural life undertaking lawful 
  hunting activity.
• There are a number of issues discussed in the strategy that are important for 
  driving up animal welfare standards, such as reform of food labelling and new 
  legislation to replace the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, which should be 
  given greater priority by the government. 
  
  

Read the full Briefing Note

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