NPA calls for evidence-based approach after Defra publishes welfare strategy

The NPA has urged the government to adopt an evidence-based after Defra confirmed plans to ‘transition away’ from farrowing crates and ban the use of CO₂ in abattoirs in its new Animal Welfare Strategy.

The long-awaited strategy, which sets out how the government aims to improve the welfare of farmed animals in various ways, covers the use of cages, farm animal slaughter, transport, mutilations and other managements practices, labelling, breeding, climate change, enforcement and international standards.

It also includes various measures in relation to pets and wild animals.

Farrowing crates

Defra says it will work with the industry to ‘explore how to transition away from the use of farrowing crates to alternative systems’. It confirms that this could be in the form of either flexible farrowing or free farrowing.

There is a pledge to consult on the transition and, while no timescale is specified, the expectation that it will come at some point in 2026. A consultation on phasing out enriched ‘colony’ hen cages is also expected next year.

The document states that Defra wants to work with the sector to ‘move all sows out of farrowing crates over a sustainable transition period’.

“Removing the use of intensive confinement systems is an essential component of the government’s plan to ensure all farmed animals have a life worth living, and that as many animals as possible have a good life. Ending the use of cages and crates is therefore a key priority for this government,” it says.

The NPA has estimated that 5000 flexible farrowing places are already in use across the UK, with another 1000 places currently in the planning phase.

Our NPA Position Paper on Flexible Farrowing was published in November 2024, and we have had extensive discussions with Defra policy leads on this topic.

“Rather than an immediate ban on conventional farrowing systems, we would prefer to see a phased transition within a sensible timeframe towards flexible farrowing systems which allow the sow more time without confinement. Furthermore, early adopters must not be penalised if their systems differ from any future legislative specifications,” NPA chief policy adviser Katie Jarvis said.

Banning CO2

For the first time, Defra states that it will ban the use of carbon dioxide gas stunning of pigs, subject to a consultation.

The strategy states that there is ‘a pressing need to address the welfare issues associated with high concentration CO2 gas stunning of pigs’.

Defra previously commissioned the Animal Welfare Committee to conduct a review into high concentration CO2 stunning of pigs and potential alternatives, the final report of which was published in October this year.

It concluded that ‘to prevent pigs from experiencing avoidable pain, distress or suffering at slaughter associated with high concentration CO2, its use should be prohibited and that the transition period provided should be as short as possible’.

It also concluded that argon gas stunning and automated electrical stunning are higher welfare alternatives. “These are commercially feasible alternatives, and we therefore want to see an end to the use of CO2 gas stunning,” the strategy said.

The government is expected to consult on CO₂ in abattoirs next year.

However, Katie said: “As yet, there are no viable alternatives, despite research into some options including use of inert gases, electrical stunning, low atmospheric pressure stunning and nitrogen foam.

“While research programmes globally are investigating these new methods, none are yet at the stage where they can be commercially adopted.

“While argon seems to be the most likely alternative, as referred to in the recent Animal Welfare Committee opinion, industry is rightly concerned that it has many of its own problems.”

The NPA therefore stresses that: “Any new approach must be commercially viable, to ensure uptake, to ensure quality of meat, and to prevent any unintended consequences for welfare – for example, throughput capacity must be sufficient to ensure that pigs are not held on farm or in lairage for longer than necessary.”

Other farm animal commitments

Other animal commitments related to farm animals include:

• Working in partnership with farmers and vets through the framework of the Animal Health and Welfare Pathway, to improve the health and welfare of livestock.
• Working with the sectors to improve welfare during transport, reduce the prevalence of painful mutilations, and ensure breeding practices do not cause any unnecessary suffering.
• Reducing the prevalence of pig tail docking, working with the industry and the veterinary profession.
• Publishing a review of the Welfare of Animals at the Time of Killing (England) Regulations 2015 to ensure that the regulations still meet their objectives.
• Publishing and considering carefully a report from the AWC on breeding and breeding practices, including how we reflect advice in the welfare codes.
• Working with relevant stakeholders, including farming and food industry stakeholders, vets, scientists and animal welfare NGOs to continue exploring how improved food labelling, including method-of-production labelling, could improve animal welfare.
• Publishing a report commissioned from the AWC to investigate the impacts of climate change on welfare, and support work to help the poultry and livestock sectors adapt to its effects.
• Championing high animal welfare standards around the world, including considering whether overseas produce has an unfair advantage and be prepared to use the full range of powers to protect our most sensitive sectors.

NPA reaction

NPA chief executive Lizzie Wilson said: “We welcome the government’s overarching strategy on animal welfare but continue to urge an evidence-based approach, taken in conjunction with industry expertise, to design and implement future policies which deliver for both animals and producers.

“Similarly, it is vital that we uphold these production standards as part of future international trade. Implementing core standards will prevent UK farmers’ animal welfare and sustainability efforts from being undermined and ensure that the UK does not simply offshore food production to countries with cheaper, less sustainable systems and lower animal welfare standards.

“Allowing goods into the UK produced to standards that would not be legal for our producers, would represent a betrayal to British farmers.”