What is the Farm Animal Welfare Council?

Latest advice

The Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) is an independent advisory body established by the Government in 1979. Its terms of reference are to keep under review the welfare of farm animals on agricultural land, at market, in transit and at the place of slaughter; and to advise the Government of any legislative or other changes that may be necessary.

The Council can:

• investigate any topic falling within its remit.

• communicate freely with outside bodies, the European Commission and the public.

• publish its advice independently.

Latest advice

2 July 2009 - FAWC has responded to Defra’s consultation on Responsibility and Cost Sharing (PDF 27 KB)

28 May 2009 - The Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) today publishes its Report on the Welfare of Farmed Animals at Slaughter or Killing – Part Two: White Meat Animals (PDF 250 KB). A news release (PDF 50 KB) has also been issued.

22 May 2009 - A review of the Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) has been commissioned by Defra.  This will be a ‘light touch’ review, such as the Cabinet Office recommends should be undertaken periodically of all advisory Non-Departmental Public Bodies (NDPBs).   A consultation letter (PDF 20 KB) is available here.

15 May 2009 - The Farm Animal Welfare Council (FAWC) will hold its annual Open Meeting on Wednesday, 8 July 2009 at the Mary Sumner House, 24 Tufton Street, Westminster, London, SW1P 3RB. For more information please contact the FAWC Secretariat.

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