A new report warns that unless the UK government takes action, animal welfare laws could be undermined, and British farmers may be disadvantaged in the trade sector.

In a worrying scenario, the report from Animal Policy International, Compassion in World Farming, and the RSPCA could spell out the challenges of ensuring compliance with current animal welfare standards in the event of future trade agreements. Key concerns have been raised regarding the impact of importing products that adhere to standards inferior to those employed in the UK. Several countries have stricter regulations on animal welfare. Examples include the European Union, Australia and New Zealand, where countries implement and enforce comprehensive animal welfare standards. • The EU requires high welfare standards for all animals used in agriculture. • In New Zealand and Australia, animal welfare regulations form the basis of agricultural policy. • The EU, Australia and New Zealand have also implemented penalties for breaches of animal welfare standards. • In New Zealand, a system is in place to promote and enforce high animal welfare standards.

1. Australia and New Zealand have laws governing the treatment of farm animals in these countries.
2. The EU requires a ban on certain practices, such as the use of battery cages and sow stalls.

While the UK’s current approach to animal welfare regulations does not explicitly require all imported products to meet these higher standards, a review of UK regulations suggests that changes could be made to prevent potential non-compliance. As highlighted in the report, imports from certain countries do not meet UK standards and may include:

Countries Without Animal Welfare Standards

1. Animal welfare standards in countries without laws specifically regulating them can be lacking.
2. Practices that are banned in the UK, like battery cages and sow stalls, may be used or continue to be used in other countries.

• The report warns of potential health risks for farmers, consumers, and the environment. • The potential consequences for the animal and the farmers also include a decline in welfare standards. • Farm animal welfare standards can affect economic growth.

Key points to watch

If you are going to participate in international trade with a new country, your trade partners need to uphold standards of animal welfare. While many UK farmers abide by these regulations to maintain quality and food standards, other producers may be forced into lower standards if their export is successful in these agreements.

1. Currently, a majority of pork from countries using sow stalls is imported into the UK.
2. Foie gras and fur farming from countries where the UK has outlawed them are still seen in imports from countries such as the US, France and India.
3. On-going negotiations between the UK and countries such as the US involve products like chicken, pork and beef.

The welfare of British animals is tied to the wellbeing of farmers and local communities. Healthy animal production and sustainable farm standards could lead to better environmental outcomes and lower food costs.

Moreover, the report’s warning of the risks of UK trade deals allows animal welfare standards to be threatened. Public interest should be an essential consideration in negotiating trade agreements. Public opinions clearly support this, with over 84% of British people believing that restrictions on imports with lower animal welfare standards could be beneficial to farms.

Morgan Brobyn from the British Egg Council is convinced that farmers have the right to uphold high-quality animal welfare. “We can’t have a situation where products that are banned in the UK can come onto supermarket shelves from other countries. It just doesn’t seem right. We want to see MPs take this seriously and hold the government accountable.”

This report demonstrates how animal welfare standards may not be implemented consistently or monitored in new trade agreements. James West, Chief Public Affairs Manager at Compassion in World Farming, highlights the lack of public awareness about the current UK regulations in relation to importing animal products. “The issue is really that, despite the strong public sentiment, our current regulations only regulate slaughter. There is no requirement that imported products must be produced in compliance with UK animal welfare standards. We urge the government to amend our regulations so that all imported products meet UK welfare laws. To this end, the British public must be made aware of this issue and the importance of this legislation.”

In this context, there is a compelling case to apply current animal protection standards to imported animal products, ensuring fairness for farmers and promoting high welfare standards globally. Mandy Carter of Animal Policy International warns that the UK government must take urgent action if they are to prevent this “unfair situation” from worsening. “The real crisis is not just about implementing the regulations, but also about public understanding and support. The government needs to act swiftly and sensibly to address the issues raised by this report.”

A call to action is therefore necessary from the government and civil society organizations. Farmers need to be involved and provided with support and resources to adapt to new trade agreements, the public needs education and awareness about animal welfare standards, and effective policies need to be implemented. The time for urgent action is now. Otherwise, animal welfare may become a “back door” issue – where some trade deals allow the UK to circumvent its animal welfare standards to advance their economic interests. A clear commitment to the welfare of farm animals and a recognition of the importance of consistency in animal welfare regulations will help secure the long-term benefits that farmers, animal lovers and animal welfare advocates alike will want to support.