London, 19th July 2023
Today (Wednesday 19th July 2023) Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation (CAWF) has responded to the news that Defra has decided they do not “consider the time is right to consult on proposals to reform labelling for animal welfare”.
This follows the Government’s Call for Evidence at the end of 2021 which gathered data on the impacts, cost, and deliverability of different types of labelling reforms for animal welfare, which CAWF responded to. Defra received over 1600 responses which overwhelmingly supported the introduction of mandatory labelling.
The implementation of mandatory animal welfare labelling is one of Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation’s core campaigns. Through informing consumers about the standards by which animals have been reared, they are empowered to make decisions which align with their beliefs.
Evidence shows consumers are willing to pay for high welfare produce when they are made aware of standards – for example, mandatory labelling of eggs allowed free range egg sales to double.
Lorraine Platt, Co-Founder of Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation, commented: “We are deeply disappointed the Government does not consider the “time is right” to consult on mandatory animal welfare labelling, following their Call for Evidence last year.
“When consumers are provided accurate information about how the meat they purchase was reared and how it was slaughtered, they are empowered to choose higher welfare produce and increase demand for such products. We believe this would incentivise a shift away from the use of low welfare farming practices.
“Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation will continue to campaign for mandatory labelling to be introduced, and hope that the Government will reconsider their decision.”
About Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation (CAWF)
The Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation was established in 2016 to raise awareness on the lives of billions of animals reared on intensive farms around the world and how this impact upon animal welfare, the environment and people’s health. We want to highlight the action people can take to help advance farm animal welfare.
Animal welfare is an increasing concern amongst the public, who frequently look to Government to take the lead in both maintaining and improving standards.
The Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation believes it is highly important that the welfare of farm animals is placed at the forefront of the Governments plan for food and farming along with its focus on productivity, competitiveness, and technology.
Media contact: Sophia Stileman (sophia.stileman@conservativeanimalwelfarefoundation.org).
