FAWC pushes for global welfare stance
5 June 2000
FAWC pushes for global welfare stance
AN ANIMAL welfare organisation intends to put pressure on the whole food chain across the globe to ensure livestock is well-treated.
The Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC), an independent body advising the government on animal welfare, wants to extend its remit to meat on the plate.
And FAWC chairman Judy MacArthur Clark told the BBC Radio 4 Farming Today programme that it was not logical to limit welfare concerns to British farm animals.
Ms MacArthur Clark welcomed moves by retailers to take FAWC recommendations as the basis for welfare standards in their assurance schemes.
But she said it should be applied consistently to all foods offered by retailers in a particular scheme.
Ms MacArthur Clark hoped international welfare standards based on UK guidelines could be established.
She added that it was not inconceivable that caterers could set up programmes similar to farm assurance schemes.