WSPA supports sustainable meat and dairy law
Jun 28, 2010
WSPA has backed Friends of the Earth in their call for MPs to introduce a Sustainable Livestock Bill, committing Government to exploring sustainable meat and dairy in the UK.
If it becomes law, the Bill will commit the Government to reduce the animal welfare, environmental, social and health impacts of intensive livestock production.
The majority of farm animals live in factory farm-like conditions which has a negative impact on their welfare, environment and human health.
The Bill would ensure that UK livestock farmers are encouraged by means of grants and subsidies to switch to more sustainable farming methods including extensive, low input, grazing and the use of home-grown animal feeds.
It would also require the Government to prepare and implement a strategy to reduce the global impacts of livestock production and consumption.
What is WSPA’s involvement?
On 10th June 20 MPs were selected through a Private Members’ Ballot and these MPs had the opportunity to introduce a Private Members Bill in this Parliamentary session.
WSPA contacted all 20 MPs asking them to choose a Sustainable Livestock Bill.
On Thursday 24 June, we got the great news that Stoke-on-Trent South MP Robert Flello (Labour), who was in second place out of the 20 MPs, is going to take this Bill forward.
Because of the way the Private Members Bill system works, the Bill has a real chance of getting passed into law and as such, will be a really significant event in the drive for animal welfare-friendly farming. Robert Flello, Labour MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, said: "I was shocked to find out just how much a Sunday roast can cost our planet under the factory farming system.”
Why is WSPA supporting this?
WSPA has long been calling for policies for sustainable food supply, much like this proposed bill.We believe that food production needs to move away from industrial systems towards small to medium scale farms, with a high degree of animal welfare.
WSPA is campaigning for sustainable farming systems that are kinder to animals and the environment, benefit human health and guarantee a fair income for farmers. This Bill, if passed into law could make a great deal of difference to the lives of Britain’s farm animals.
Read more about WSPA’s work on factory farming >>
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