Group to advise on animal health

AN INDEPENDENT group has been appointed to advise government on implementing the new animal health and welfare strategy.

The 12-strong body will draw on the extensive experience and expertise of its members ranging from farming, the veterinary profession, animal welfare and other related industries.

Known as the England Implementation Group it is expected to meet about every two months.

The group will work with government, the livestock and food industries, animal owners, the vets, consumers and other stakeholders to ensure the strategy is delivered.

It will be chaired by Helen Browning, a major organic producer and a former chair of the Soil Association.

Mrs Browning, currently the association’s director of food and farming, is also a commissioner of the Meat & Livestock Commission and chair of the Food Ethics Council.

Ben Bradshaw, junior DEFRA minister, said: “It is vital that stakeholders play a central role in the animal health and welfare strategy.

“It should not be managed just by government but by everyone who has an interest in protecting animal health and welfare.”