Expert animal welfare body expanded to advise Government on future reforms

The Farm Animal Welfare Committee’s (FAWC) remit has been expanded to provide expert and detailed research and advice to Ministers on pets, wild animals kept by people as well as farmed animals

The committee has been renamed the Animal Welfare Committee (AWC) from today (1 October 2019). The committee will continue in its role as an expert committee advising Defra and the Devolved Administrations in Scotland and Wales.

Animal welfare minister, Zac Goldsmith said:

We are a nation of animal lovers and this government is committed to taking important steps forward to strengthen our already high standards on animal welfare.

The committee has provided the government with invaluable advice over the years and I look forward to continuing work with colleagues as they broaden their remit to include pets and wild animals kept by people, as well as farmed animals.

The renamed committee’s priorities will include:

• Advice to government on future farming reforms to deliver welfare enhancements
• Advice to government on the welfare of companion animals and wild animals kept by people
• Review of dairy and beef cattle production systems and the welfare of the animals
• Working closely with the European Forum of Animal Welfare Councils (EuroFAWC)

To mark this expansion the AWC is recruiting new experts. Further information on these is available on gov.uk.

Peter Jinman, Chair of the Animal Welfare Committee, said:

I welcome the expansion of the committee’s remit to advise on a broader spectrum of animal welfare issues and encourage experts with the relevant skills to apply for a role in this important new area of activity.