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legislation to replace the outdated Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, which should be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.