Livestock welfare

The welfare of livestock  is protected by the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (The Act) under which it is an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to any animal. The Act contains a duty of care to animals - this means that anyone responsible for an animal, whether on a permanent or temporary basis, must take reasonable steps to make sure the animal’s needs are met. A responsible person has to look after an animal’s welfare as well as ensuring that it does not suffer.

The requirements of the Animal Welfare Act are supplemented by the Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) Regulations 2007 which details the minimum standards under which you must keep farm animals. Schedule 1 contains specific requirements such as inspections, record keeping, and freedom of movement, buildings and equipment. Requirements for the feeding and watering, and accommodation of animals are also included.

The Regulations clarify the interpretation of "farmed animal". They explain that the term means an animal bred or kept for the production of food, wool or skin or other farming purposes, excluding:

• a fish, reptile or amphibian; 
• an animal whilst at, or solely intended for use in, a competition, show or cultural or sporting event or activity; 
• an experimental or laboratory animal; or 
• an animal living in the wild.

The Regulations require that anyone attending animals must be familiar with and have access to appropriate welfare codes. The codes are specific to each species of animal and aim to establish the highest standards of husbandry. They cover general requirements for stockmanship, health, feeding, breeding accommodation and management.

Similar legislation exists in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. For further information on animal welfare legislation in these areas please contact the appropriate administration.

Maintaining high standards for animal health and welfare on the farm is essential for efficient production, establishing consumer confidence and managing risk of disease to both humans and animals.

The following, know as the “Five Freedoms”, forms a logical basis for animal welfare within any system. 

• Freedom from hunger and thirst. 
• Freedom from discomfort. 
• Freedom from pain, injury or disease. 
• Freedom to express normal behaviour. 
• Freedom from fear and distress.

While these freedoms provide general guidelines to avoid suffering and other harms, there are areas where specific guidance is available:

• On-farm welfare. 
• Welfare at transport. 
• Welfare at slaughter. 
• Welfare at market.

See the relevant pages on the left hand side.

Useful external links

Animal Welfare Act 2006 (external link)

Welfare of Farmed Animals (Wales) Regulations 2007 (external link)

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 (Commencement No.2 and Saving and Transitional Provisions) (Wales) Order 2007 (external link)

For further information or if you have any queries, please contact us: rural-affairs@wales.gsi.gov.uk