There is another website generated campaign about animal welfare. Not for the first time, in order to make a political point, it is incorrect.
Firstly, our animal welfare standards are the highest in Europe and amongst the highest anywhere in the world.
You can keep farm animals in unspeakable conditions without breaking a single EU law. The EU protocol allows for bullfighting, veal farming, foie gras production, live animal exports and cruel fur product imports. I would much prefer to live in a country with our animal welfare protections than anywhere else.
In the debate the Minister made clear, ‘The reference to animals as sentient beings is, effectively, a statement of fact in article 13, but even though it is, in effect, declaratory, I can reassure the hon. Member for Brighton, Pavilion (Caroline Lucas) that it is already recognised as a matter of domestic law, primarily in the Animal Welfare Act 2006. If an animal is capable of experiencing pain and suffering, it is sentient and therefore afforded protection under that Act.”
If you haven’t yet managed to look at the Animal Welfare Act 2006, you can find it here
It’s a shame that campaigning websites, such as Avaaz and others are more concerned with scoring political points that checking the facts before they encourage their members to email MP’s.
I do understand animals and their emotions, my dog reminds me of them everyday.
You can also view the full text of the Environment Secretary’s comments here