Recommendations & Conclusions
45 items
1
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted
The Committee sees the introduction of this new regulation as an important step in preventing pet smuggling and is pleased the Government has acted on our recommendation.
Government response AI summary
The government confirms it takes pet smuggling seriously and elaborates on the actions it has taken or is taking, including the introduction of the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill and the intention to introduce a ban on the movement of heavily pregnant dogs, to prevent …
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
2
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted
We welcome the Government’s commitment to ban the import of pets younger than six-months-old, heavily pregnant pets, and pets that have been subject to poor animal welfare practices. We recognise the argument that ministers should be able to adapt regulations as science and intelligence evolve. However, we see no future …
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We welcome the Government’s commitment to ban the import of pets younger than six-months-old, heavily pregnant pets, and pets that have been subject to poor animal welfare practices. We recognise the argument that ministers should be able to adapt regulations as science and intelligence evolve. However, we see no future where the movement of young animals, heavily pregnant animals or the import of animals which have been subject to poor welfare practices is acceptable. The need to prevent pet smuggling is serious and urgent, introducing these bans through later secondary legislation will only create further delays, enabling this illicit trade to continue.
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Government response AI summary
The government confirms the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill will address pet smuggling and restrict unacceptable pet movements. They are working rapidly on necessary secondary legislation alongside the Bill to allow for quick adaptation to issues like importing pregnant animals.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
3
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted in Part
The Bill should maintain the flexibility to allow ministers to adapt to future science and intelligence, but Defra should include a ban on animals younger than six months, heavily pregnant animals, and animals which have been subject to poor welfare practices on the face of the Bill, rather than secondary …
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The Bill should maintain the flexibility to allow ministers to adapt to future science and intelligence, but Defra should include a ban on animals younger than six months, heavily pregnant animals, and animals which have been subject to poor welfare practices on the face of the Bill, rather than secondary legislation. It should include a clear definition of ‘heavily pregnant’. Putting these prohibitions in primary legislation would be a serious and sincere statement about the value the Government attaches to animal welfare.
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Government response AI summary
The government states its Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill addresses pet smuggling and includes a proposal to ban the movement of dogs more than 42 days pregnant, but indicates these measures will be implemented through secondary legislation rather than on the face of the Bill …
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
4
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted in Part
Currently pet smuggling is viewed as a low-risk and high reward crime. The UK must improve its deterrents against pet smuggling.
Government response AI summary
The government is exploring increased penalties for pet smuggling through a consultation and the Welfare of Animals (Kept Animals) Bill, with analysis of responses ongoing. The Animal and Plant Health Agency has also appointed two temporary officers to coordinate investigations and disrupt illegal imports.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
5
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted in Part
The Government should increase the sentences given to pet smugglers, including greater consideration of custodial sentences. Increasing prosecution rates must also be a priority, as prosecution rates are proportionately low given the estimated size of the trade. The Government should make use of its full suite of investigatory and enforcement …
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The Government should increase the sentences given to pet smugglers, including greater consideration of custodial sentences. Increasing prosecution rates must also be a priority, as prosecution rates are proportionately low given the estimated size of the trade. The Government should make use of its full suite of investigatory and enforcement powers to pursue the money generated from pet smuggling.
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Government response AI summary
The government is considering increased penalties for pet smuggling through the Welfare of Animals (Kept Animals) Bill and a recent consultation, the results of which are being analysed. The Animal and Plant Health Agency has also appointed two temporary officers to coordinate investigations and disrupt …
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
6
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Not Addressed
It is the carriers not APHA staff who carry out most checks on pets at the border. Therefore, Defra should ensure that there is a legal obligation for the individual checking the animal to “visualise” the animal, making sure it matches the paperwork and microchip presented.
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It is the carriers not APHA staff who carry out most checks on pets at the border. Therefore, Defra should ensure that there is a legal obligation for the individual checking the animal to “visualise” the animal, making sure it matches the paperwork and microchip presented.
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Government response AI summary
The Government's response is missing or truncated and does not address the recommendation to ensure a legal obligation for visualising animals during checks.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
7
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Rejected
Moving the responsibility for checking pets at the border from carriers to a Government Agency will prevent the conflict of interests that is inherent within carriers checking the pets of their customers.
Government response AI summary
The Government rejects moving responsibility for pet checks from carriers to a government agency, asserting that current authorised checkers are trained and audited, and carriers are already taking unilateral measures to reduce commercial carriage.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
8
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Rejected
The responsibility for checking pets at the border should be shifted from carriers to a Government Agency like APHA or Border Force to ensure smuggling is dealt with effectively. (Paragraph 25) 36 Moving animals across borders
Government response AI summary
The government has no plans to shift responsibility for pet checks from carriers to a government agency, stating that existing compliance checking arrangements will continue to be kept under review.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
9
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Rejected
Within Defra’s policies there is an increasing focus on the prevention of pet smuggling. However, this increased policy focus has not been matched by an increased prioritisation of the issue or increased funding within Border Force or APHA. Furthermore, we note above the need for responsibility for checking pets at …
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Within Defra’s policies there is an increasing focus on the prevention of pet smuggling. However, this increased policy focus has not been matched by an increased prioritisation of the issue or increased funding within Border Force or APHA. Furthermore, we note above the need for responsibility for checking pets at borders to move from the carriers to Government agencies.
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Government response AI summary
The Government states that responsibility for pet checks will remain with authorised carriers and there are no plans to provide additional funding for local authority risk-based checks, though APHA is working on Border Control Post resource requirements for a new import regime.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
10
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Rejected
Whichever of Border Force or APHA takes responsibility for checking pets must be properly resourced, and the Department should set out what steps it is taking within Government to ensure that this work is appropriately prioritised and resourced.
Government response AI summary
The Government states that responsibility for pet checks will not change from authorised carriers to a government agency and there are no plans for additional funding for local authority risk-based checks, though APHA is working to determine Border Control Post resource requirements for a new …
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
11
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted
It is unclear whether travellers have understood the requirements of the new pet travel regulation. There is a risk that as travellers wishing to take their pets abroad will be sent home at the border.
Government response AI summary
The government has issued comprehensive guidance, run social media campaigns, and continues to work with stakeholders to communicate new pet travel rules. Surveys suggest high public awareness, and measures are in place to minimise non-compliance at borders.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
12
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted
Defra should continue its efforts to ensure travellers understand the new pet travel regulations. The current reduction in travel provides an opportunity to ensure no pet owner is turned back home at the border once travel increases.
Government response AI summary
The government has accepted the recommendation, detailing comprehensive guidance issued through GOV.UK and social media, ongoing collaboration with veterinarians and carriers, and additional communications. They also introduced measures for pets refused entry to return to Great Britain without quarantine for a limited time.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
13
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted
Regaining ‘part 1 listed’ under the EU’s Pet Travel Scheme will make taking pets to the EU and Northern Ireland easier and less costly.
Government response AI summary
The government accepts the importance of regaining ‘Part 1 listed’ status under the EU’s Pet Travel Scheme and states it has applied to the European Commission for this status, confirming it will continue to press the EU Commission to secure it.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
14
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted
The Government should engage with the EU and adopt a pragmatic stance in the pursuit of either ‘Part 1 listed’ status in the EU Pet Travel Scheme’, or an arrangement which is as close to ‘Part 1’ status as is possible within the current political context environment.
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The Government should engage with the EU and adopt a pragmatic stance in the pursuit of either ‘Part 1 listed’ status in the EU Pet Travel Scheme’, or an arrangement which is as close to ‘Part 1’ status as is possible within the current political context environment.
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Government response AI summary
The government states it has applied for 'Part 1 listed' status and will continue to press the EU Commission to secure this status, despite currently holding 'Part 2 listed' status.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
15
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted in Part
A number of non-endemic canine diseases are on the rise in the UK. These pose a serious health risk to the UK pet population. There is a particular risk from street animals being rehomed in the UK and dogs which have been smuggled in. Leaving the EU gives the UK …
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A number of non-endemic canine diseases are on the rise in the UK. These pose a serious health risk to the UK pet population. There is a particular risk from street animals being rehomed in the UK and dogs which have been smuggled in. Leaving the EU gives the UK an opportunity to introduce regulations that will provide increased protection for animal health and biosecurity, the Government should act on this opportunity.
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Government response AI summary
The Government agrees with the committee's findings, has made B.canis infection reportable, and is considering additional steps for commercial pet imports and proposes changes to regulations to tackle low-welfare imports.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
16
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Rejected
The Government should introduce pre-import screening for non-endemic diseases which threaten the UK pet population. This should be accompanied by the reinstalment of the UK’s tick and tapeworm treatment requirements that existed before the UK joined PETS. The UK should also introduce the rabies titre test as a way of …
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The Government should introduce pre-import screening for non-endemic diseases which threaten the UK pet population. This should be accompanied by the reinstalment of the UK’s tick and tapeworm treatment requirements that existed before the UK joined PETS. The UK should also introduce the rabies titre test as a way of ensuring animals have valid rabies vaccinations and the animal’s paperwork has not been forged. The UK’s biosecurity is being threatened now and these changes need to brought in as soon as possible. (Paragraph 40) Moving horses
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Government response AI summary
The Government declines to introduce pre-import screening or reinstate tick and tapeworm requirements, citing that tick treatment alone is insufficient, the rabies titre test is misleading and burdensome, and the overall risk is low, therefore has no immediate plans for changes.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
17
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted in Part
Britain is a leading player in the global equestrian market, which provides significant economic benefits to the UK. The Government must enable the expedited movement of ‘high health status’ horses across Europe to protect this industry. An agreement on high health status horses would benefit all parties involved and has …
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Britain is a leading player in the global equestrian market, which provides significant economic benefits to the UK. The Government must enable the expedited movement of ‘high health status’ horses across Europe to protect this industry. An agreement on high health status horses would benefit all parties involved and has been advocated by the British, Irish and French racing and breeding industries to the highest levels of the European Commission. (Paragraph 50) Moving animals across borders 37
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the benefits of streamlining equine movements and commits to exploring potential flexibility and continuing to work towards a satisfactory solution for ‘high health status’ horses, despite the EU Commission's stance on third-country rules.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
18
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Acknowledged
The Government should work with the EU to formulate an agreement on ‘high health status’ horses as quickly as possible. This agreement should be based on a system which is digital by design and easy to use. The Government should adopt a pragmatic and practical stance in pursuit of this …
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The Government should work with the EU to formulate an agreement on ‘high health status’ horses as quickly as possible. This agreement should be based on a system which is digital by design and easy to use. The Government should adopt a pragmatic and practical stance in pursuit of this goal.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the benefits and will explore flexibility and continue to work towards a satisfactory solution for streamlining equine movements with the EU, despite the EU's current stance on third-country rules.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
19
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted
We have been told that there are horses being illicitly moved across Britain’s borders and being sent to slaughter under the guise of being sold for other purposes.
Government response AI summary
The Government is committed to ending live exports for slaughter and is working with devolved nations, industry organisations, and World Horse Welfare to address the misdeclaration of equine movements, focusing on identifying evidence for legitimate trade and controlling high-risk consignments.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
20
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted
Defra should investigate non-compliant horse movements and quantify the scale and causes of the practice. This work should take place in collaboration with industry groups like World Horse Welfare who have developed intelligence and expertise on horse smuggling. Once the scale of the issue has been identified, Defra should set …
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Defra should investigate non-compliant horse movements and quantify the scale and causes of the practice. This work should take place in collaboration with industry groups like World Horse Welfare who have developed intelligence and expertise on horse smuggling. Once the scale of the issue has been identified, Defra should set out a plan to address it within a year, and no later.
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Government response AI summary
The government is working with devolved nations and industry organisations, including World Horse Welfare, to identify evidence of misdeclaration in equine movements and focus controls on higher-risk consignments to end live animal exports for slaughter.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
21
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Deferred
The current system of equine ID is not fit for purpose. Its outdated and fragmented paper systems enable fraud. A digital identification system would help to prevent horse smuggling and enable the expedited movement of ‘high health status’ horses. The mandatory microchipping of equines facilitates a digital identification system, which …
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The current system of equine ID is not fit for purpose. Its outdated and fragmented paper systems enable fraud. A digital identification system would help to prevent horse smuggling and enable the expedited movement of ‘high health status’ horses. The mandatory microchipping of equines facilitates a digital identification system, which we believe is available at the moment. Defra should move to this system as a matter of urgency.
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Government response AI summary
The government states that proposed changes, including further digitisation of equine identification, will be considered as part of a new public consultation planned for early next year, rather than committing to an urgent move to the system.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
22
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted in Part
The proposals put forward in Defra’s upcoming equine identification consultation should be digital by design and easy to use, except in exceptional circumstances, such as the studbook network which is vital for the support of native, rare and indigenous breeds. It is our understanding that these systems already exist within …
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The proposals put forward in Defra’s upcoming equine identification consultation should be digital by design and easy to use, except in exceptional circumstances, such as the studbook network which is vital for the support of native, rare and indigenous breeds. It is our understanding that these systems already exist within the industry. The Government should embrace these systems or guarantee interoperability with them. Alongside this new identification system Defra should develop a funded action plan to enforce the identification rules. The consultation should be published within the next three months and the action plan should be published within three months of the consultation’s conclusion. (Paragraph 63) Moving livestock
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Government response AI summary
The government will launch a new public consultation early in the new year to improve equine ID and traceability, focusing on digitisation and ease of record updates, while preserving studbook arrangements. However, there is no commitment to a funded action plan for enforcement.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
23
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Not Addressed
The current lack of border control posts approved to process live animal exports in European ports is an effective ban on the export of British livestock to mainland Europe. The Government’s strategy of incentivising the construction of border control posts by providing information on the value of the sector has …
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The current lack of border control posts approved to process live animal exports in European ports is an effective ban on the export of British livestock to mainland Europe. The Government’s strategy of incentivising the construction of border control posts by providing information on the value of the sector has not been successful.
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Government response AI summary
The government's response is missing, containing only a header without substantive content.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
24
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Not Addressed
The Government must work more closely with the EU and commercial partners to ensure that border control posts capable of processing livestock are built immediately in Northern European ports.
Government response AI summary
The government's response focuses on the establishment of UK Border Control Posts for imports into Great Britain, with facilities expected to be operational by July 2022. The response does not address the recommendation for working with the EU to build BCPs in Northern European ports …
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
25
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted in Part
The Government must ensure border control posts capable of processing live animals are operational by March 2022. This date is an absolute deadline rather than a target. These posts should be geographically spread around the country and provide appropriate capacity to meet market demand to prevent overly long journey 38 …
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The Government must ensure border control posts capable of processing live animals are operational by March 2022. This date is an absolute deadline rather than a target. These posts should be geographically spread around the country and provide appropriate capacity to meet market demand to prevent overly long journey 38 Moving animals across borders times which endanger animal welfare. Defra should publish information relating to the location and capacity of specific border control posts by December 2021 to allow businesses to prepare for the March 2022 deadline.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the need for live animal border control posts (BCPs), stating the Sevington BCP will be operational from 1 July 2022 (later than the recommended March 2022 deadline), with a second Kent facility identified and further BCPs to be designated once complete.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
26
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted
British breeding stock is an important export. We are concerned that the ban on export for slaughter and fattening has been interpreted as a ban on the export of all live animals, which may have led to EU partners not prioritising suitable border posts. This could damage the export of …
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British breeding stock is an important export. We are concerned that the ban on export for slaughter and fattening has been interpreted as a ban on the export of all live animals, which may have led to EU partners not prioritising suitable border posts. This could damage the export of British breeding stock.
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Government response AI summary
The government clarifies that the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill does not ban the export of live animals for breeding purposes. It states it is working with the NFU and discussing with EU Member States to encourage the setup of Border Control Posts for breeding …
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
27
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted
Within a month of this report’s publication Defra should provide a clear statement of support for the ongoing export of British breeding stock, emphasizing that these exports will not be affected by the ban on export for slaughter and fattening.
Government response AI summary
The government states that the Secretary of State clarified in June 2021 that the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill would not prohibit the export of live animals for breeding purposes, directly addressing the committee's recommendation for a clear statement of support.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
28
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted in Part
The movement of agricultural animals between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, a practice that has existed for generations, has been disrupted by the Northern Ireland Protocol. The residency, scrapie and ear tagging requirements risk jeopardising the genetic integrity of Northern Irish breeding stock. Although it is a small number of …
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The movement of agricultural animals between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, a practice that has existed for generations, has been disrupted by the Northern Ireland Protocol. The residency, scrapie and ear tagging requirements risk jeopardising the genetic integrity of Northern Irish breeding stock. Although it is a small number of farm businesses that are affected, these are often small, independent, family run business and the impact of the restrictions could be catastrophic.
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Government response AI summary
The government has reached an agreement with the EU on livestock residency but notes that livestock identification remains an outstanding issue, with ongoing discussions to find a solution. The government will continue to monitor implementation and report back within 12 months.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
29
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Acknowledged
The Committee welcomes the agreement between the Government and the Commission on residency requirements and ear tagging.
Government response AI summary
The government confirms an agreement with the EU on livestock residency requirements for movements between Northern Ireland and Great Britain. However, livestock identification (ear tagging) remains an outstanding issue, and the UK is continuing to work with the EU to find a solution.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
30
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted
However, the Government should monitor the implementation of the new systems to make sure they are fit for purpose and fully enable the movement of livestock from Great Britain into Northern Ireland. It should review these arrangements within 12 months of their implementation and report back to this committee.
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However, the Government should monitor the implementation of the new systems to make sure they are fit for purpose and fully enable the movement of livestock from Great Britain into Northern Ireland. It should review these arrangements within 12 months of their implementation and report back to this committee.
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees to continue monitoring the implementation of residency and identification requirements for livestock movements between GB and NI and will report back to the Committee within 12 months as recommended.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
31
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted
Furthermore, we welcome that the Government is working on a solution to the scrapie requirements, but a solution must be found immediately.
Government response AI summary
The government has agreed a new Scrapie Qualifying Status (SQS) with the EU to facilitate the movement of breeding sheep and goats from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. Applications are open until 31 December 2021, and scrapie testing costs for GB-NI movements have been included …
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
32
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted
The Government should work with the EU to agree a derogation from the scrapie monitoring system, as quickly as possible. This derogation should provide adequate time for farmers to join the system. The Government should adopt a pragmatic and practical stance in pursuit of this goal.
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The Government should work with the EU to agree a derogation from the scrapie monitoring system, as quickly as possible. This derogation should provide adequate time for farmers to join the system. The Government should adopt a pragmatic and practical stance in pursuit of this goal.
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Government response AI summary
The government states it has agreed a new Scrapie Qualifying Status (SQS) within the existing Scrapie Monitoring Scheme with the EU to facilitate the movement of breeding sheep from Great Britain to Northern Ireland, and has included scrapie testing costs in the Movement Assistance Scheme.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
33
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted
In the short-term Defra should extend the Movement Assistance Scheme to pay for scrapie testing. The new breeding season for sheep is about to start meaning the Government needs to find an immediate solution to allow breeding stock from Great Britain to enter into Northern Ireland. As such, the Movement …
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In the short-term Defra should extend the Movement Assistance Scheme to pay for scrapie testing. The new breeding season for sheep is about to start meaning the Government needs to find an immediate solution to allow breeding stock from Great Britain to enter into Northern Ireland. As such, the Movement Assistance Scheme should be extended for this purpose by October 2021.
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Government response AI summary
The government extended the Movement Assistance Scheme to include the cost of scrapie testing for GB-NI movements from 1 July 2021, and has agreed a new Scrapie Qualifying Status to facilitate breeding sheep movements, addressing the recommendation before the suggested deadline.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
34
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted
We welcome the ban on export for slaughter and fattening as an important step in protecting animal welfare. We understand that the number of animal movements this ban will affect is small, however, we are concerned that there may be unintended consequences. Particularly, that it may create longer journeys, which …
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We welcome the ban on export for slaughter and fattening as an important step in protecting animal welfare. We understand that the number of animal movements this ban will affect is small, however, we are concerned that there may be unintended consequences. Particularly, that it may create longer journeys, which may increase costs for some UK farms and could have the unintended effect of worsening animal welfare. We are also concerned that this will prohibit the movement of livestock for breeding purposes. (Paragraph 108) Moving animals across borders 39
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the minimal cost impact of the ban and commits to adapting the journey log system to allow for permitted movements like breeding by requiring evidence of purpose, working with industry to implement this.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
35
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted
Defra should work with the organisations and businesses that will be affected by the ban on export for slaughter to ensure that the ban is introduced in a pragmatic way that will not adversely affect rural businesses or animal welfare.
Government response AI summary
The Government is fully committed to working with industry, chairing the Small Abattoirs Working Group, initiating sub-groups for detailed discussions, and exploring future funding through the Farming Investment Fund to support rural businesses affected by the ban on export for slaughter.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
36
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Acknowledged
Supporting and bolstering the UK abattoirs network will benefit our food security and protect animal welfare. There is a direct link between the Government’s current policy of limiting journey times between the farm and abattoirs, and the need for a network of small and medium abattoirs spread geographically around the …
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Supporting and bolstering the UK abattoirs network will benefit our food security and protect animal welfare. There is a direct link between the Government’s current policy of limiting journey times between the farm and abattoirs, and the need for a network of small and medium abattoirs spread geographically around the UK. Equally, small abattoirs must be commercially viable businesses, capable of supporting themselves.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the important role of small abattoirs and their benefits to animal welfare, committing to work closely with industry and exploring future support through initiatives like the 'Adding Value' theme of the new Farming Investment Fund.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
37
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Acknowledged
Defra should take action to protect small and medium abattoirs as a national strategic asset. These businesses should be supported and bolstered through the Future Farming Resilience Fund. Defra should set out and enact its approach to funding the UK abattoirs network as a strategic national asset within six months.
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Defra should take action to protect small and medium abattoirs as a national strategic asset. These businesses should be supported and bolstered through the Future Farming Resilience Fund. Defra should set out and enact its approach to funding the UK abattoirs network as a strategic national asset within six months.
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Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the important role of small abattoirs and is exploring future support for the sector, such as through the 'Adding Value' theme of the new Farming Investment Fund, but does not set out a specific plan or enactment approach within six months.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
38
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Acknowledged
Heavy handed regulations can overburden small and medium abattoirs, preventing them from being successful commercial enterprises.
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges the issue, detailing ongoing work through the Small Abattoirs Working Group, including a pilot project with the FSA to streamline administrative burdens. It is also exploring future support for the sector through the 'Adding Value' theme of the new Farming Investment Fund.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
39
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Deferred
Defra should establish a small working group to assess how effectively and fairly regulations are being applied in small and medium abattoirs. This group should ensure regulations are sensible and maintain food hygiene standards without overloading businesses. This group should be established by December 2021.
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Defra should establish a small working group to assess how effectively and fairly regulations are being applied in small and medium abattoirs. This group should ensure regulations are sensible and maintain food hygiene standards without overloading businesses. This group should be established by December 2021.
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Government response AI summary
The government notes concerns and states it will conduct stakeholder workshops starting in Autumn 2021 and continuing into 2022 to explore issues and evidence, with reforms to be implemented later, rather than committing to establish the specific working group requested.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
40
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Acknowledged
The Government’s proposals on ‘Improvements to animal welfare in Transport’ are well-meaning but flawed. They show a lack of understanding in how parts of the agricultural economy work and would have benefited from better co-design and consultation.
Government response AI summary
The government notes the committee's concerns about animal welfare in transport proposals and commits to continuing to work with stakeholders through workshops in late 2021 and 2022 to explore issues, with reforms to be implemented via secondary legislation or guidance.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
41
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted
We welcome that Defra is rethinking its proposals. Defra should ensure they work with the industry to develop its new proposals, making sure they protect animal welfare while being practical and realistic. It should publish the updated proposals by December 2021. (Paragraph 111) Biosecurity
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We welcome that Defra is rethinking its proposals. Defra should ensure they work with the industry to develop its new proposals, making sure they protect animal welfare while being practical and realistic. It should publish the updated proposals by December 2021. (Paragraph 111) Biosecurity
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the recommendations on biosecurity but primarily describes existing systems and ongoing engagement, without committing to working with industry on new proposals or publishing them by the specified deadline.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
42
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Acknowledged
Diseases do not recognise borders. Enhancing biosecurity protects animal, plant and human health. Although we have full faith in the Chief Veterinary Officer, it would be easier to monitor animal diseases in our closest neighbours if the UK regained access to the Animal Disease Notification System. ADNS is a quick …
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Diseases do not recognise borders. Enhancing biosecurity protects animal, plant and human health. Although we have full faith in the Chief Veterinary Officer, it would be easier to monitor animal diseases in our closest neighbours if the UK regained access to the Animal Disease Notification System. ADNS is a quick and reliable system, and it would help to remove the opportunity for human error. Regaining access to the ADNS would also benefit our European neighbours as it would allow them to better monitor disease in the UK. This is a win, win situation. Failing to regain access could have catastrophic consequences for UK biosecurity, so
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Government response AI summary
The government agrees with the committee's recommendations and states they retain reporting access with the European Food Safety Agency and continue to share surveillance data. They will continue to engage with the European Commission without explicitly committing to regaining ADNS access.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
43
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Not Addressed
The Government should work with the EU to regain Britain’s access to the ADNS as a matter of urgency Defra should update this committee on its efforts . (Paragraph 117) 40 Moving animals across borders
Government response AI summary
The government's response discusses veterinary capacity and certification for animal exports but does not address the committee's specific recommendation to work with the EU to regain access to the ADNS.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
44
Conclusion
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Accepted
There is disagreement between Defra, the veterinary sector, and the Chief Veterinary Officer about whether there are enough veterinarians to carry out the increase in certification work which is required following the transition period.
Government response AI summary
The government acknowledges a shortfall in official veterinarians, particularly in abattoirs, and outlines specific actions already undertaken or underway, including £1.8m in grant funding, developing a centralised training package, and creating Certification Support Officer roles to increase capacity.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs
45
Recommendation
First Report - Moving animals across bo…
Not Addressed
Government should closely monitor veterinary capacity alongside projections of six-month demand and publish statistics on a quarterly basis. (Paragraph 123) Moving animals across borders 41
Government response AI summary
The government explains current veterinary capacity challenges and outlines measures taken to address the shortfall, including providing grant funding and developing training. However, it does not commit to the specific recommendation of monitoring capacity alongside six-month demand projections and publishing statistics quarterly.
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Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs