Fears for budget cuts on animal welfare

Government cuts must not be allowed to compromise farm animal welfare, veterinary experts have warned.

The British Veterinary Association spoke out following the abolition of the Farm Animal Welfare Council.

The council is just one of almost 200 quangos and public bodies to be scrapped as the government strives to balance Britain’s budget deficit.

It is being reconstituted as a “committee of experts” that will advise ministers on animal welfare issues.

BVA president Harvey Locke said: “The BVA is relieved that the Farm Animal Welfare Council has not been abolished entirely.

“However its reconstitution as a committee of experts must be done in such a way that its independence and expertise is not compromised.”

The council had played an essential role in the way the government thought about farm animal welfare, said Mr Locke.

It had succeeded in challenging both the government and the farming industry on matters of huge importance, such as dairy cow welfare.

“We would be very concerned if this move indicated a downgrading of the importance of farm animal welfare,” said Mr Locke.

“We will be watching the development of the committee of experts with interest.”

Mr Locke said the BVA was pleased that the government’s Veterinary Products Committee was being retained.

It performed a vital function in veterinary medicine regulation, he said.