NFU launches new welfare in transport guidance

The NFU has launched new welfare in transport guidance for poultry and other livestock, following an announcement by Government it is planning to tighten rules. 
This cross-sector guidance covering poultry, beef, lamb and dairy will be available to everyone within the industry and aims to support animal welfare with guidance for farmers and hauliers on effective animal transport. It also includes downloadable posters to raise awareness of best practice.
The guidance comes following Defra’s recent response to the welfare in transport consultation, in which the NFU highlighted that the focus of both government and industry should be to ensure the best possible welfare outcomes. This includes focusing on the types of journeys made, the animal’s fitness to travel, loading and unloading animals properly and driver training.
NFU livestock board chairman Richard Findlay said: “Maintaining high animal welfare in transport is a priority for all livestock farmers and we are always receptive to new and improved guidance on this issue.
“This new guidance demonstrates our commitment to prioritising welfare and further improving our already high standards of animal welfare. We will continue to work with Defra to find evidence-based solutions that deliver practical and meaningful welfare improvements.”
NFU poultry board chairman Thomas Wornham said: “As poultry farmers our main priority is the health and welfare of our birds, and the poultry sector has invested heavily in improving bird welfare at all stages throughout the supply chain.
“We’ve always maintained that it is the overall quality of the journey that determines animal welfare during transport and this guidance highlights the important role farmers play in maintaining our high welfare standards.”