This conference follows the Government’s Action Plan for Animal Welfare, and will consider priorities for taking it forward and improving animal health, welfare, and standards in the UK.
The discussion will also take into account key policy developments delivered as part of the Action Plan, such as the Animal Welfare (Sentience) Bill and the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, which aim to legislate on core aspects of animal welfare, enhance protections for kept animals and pets, and formally recognise animals as sentient beings.
We are pleased to be able to welcome keynote contributions from Michael Seals, Chairman, Animal Health & Welfare Board for England, Defra; David Bowles, Head Public Affairs, RSPCA; Gareth Baynham-Hughes, Director, Animal and Plant Health and Welfare, Defra; and Mandy Nevel, Head of Animal Health and Welfare, AHDB.
The agenda is structured to bring out latest thinking on:
- taking forward the Government’s plans for a revised approach to animal health, welfare, and standards
- key stakeholder perspectives on plans to improve welfare across the food and farming sector and on the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway
- enshrining animal sentience in law and improving the welfare of kept animals in the UK – implications for policy and practice across the UK
- promoting high animal welfare standards abroad, and the implications for future trade policy