The UK government has drafted plans to repeal animal welfare standards for poultry farming and let the poultry industry control chicken farming standards. If all moves forward as planned, the change will take effect on April 27, 2016.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs plans to eventually deregulate other livestock sectors, including cattle, sheep and pig farming, leaving standards in the industry's control.
The livestock industry does not have animals' best interests at heart. Animal advocates believe that industries will weaken animal welfare codes to increase their profits at animals' expense. Peter Stevenson, chief policy adviser at Compassion in World Farming, says, "“I find it very hard to believe when one goes from a government code to an industry code it is going to be as tough. For example, the government code on pigs is quite tough. It says tail docking should only be used as a last resort. Would the pig industry would keep such tough wording? I think inevitably one will see a dilution of the codes."
Please sign the petition to urge the UK government to continue overseeing poultry and livestock farming!
I am concerned with your plans to repeal animal welfare codes and leave poultry and livestock farming in the hands of the industry.
The livestock industry does not have animals' best interests at heart. Animal advocates believe that industries will weaken animal welfare codes to increase their profits at animals' expense. Peter Stevenson, chief policy adviser at Compassion in World Farming, says, "“I find it very hard to believe when one goes from a government code to an industry code it is going to be as tough. For example, the government code on pigs is quite tough. It says tail docking should only be used as a last resort. Would the pig industry would keep such tough wording? I think inevitably one will see a dilution of the codes."
I respectfully urge you to continue overseeing poultry and livestock farming. Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this petition.
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