Animal Health and Welfare Board for England

The Animal Health and Welfare Board for England (AHWBE) brings together independent people with the relevant knowledge and skills, and senior government officials. The AHWBE makes direct recommendations to Defra Ministers on strategic policy affecting the health and welfare of kept animals in England including farm animals, horses and pets (excluding the welfare of zoo and circus animals).

Key Dates in establishing the AHWBE

30 January 2012 : appointment of the final two non-executive members of the AHWBE.

• Final two members of the Animal Health and Welfare Board for England (information bulletin) 

8 November 2011 : first meeting of the AHWBE.

• Note of the AHWBE meeting on 8 November 2011

28 October 2011 : appointment of the first non-executive members of the AHWBE.

• First new members of Animal Health and Welfare Board For England (press release)

8 August 2011 : appointment of the non-executive Chair of the AHWBE.

• Animal health and welfare board: chair appointed (press release)

26 April 2011 : establishment of the AHWBE.

• Sharing responsibility for animal health and welfare policy (press release)

Background to establishing the AHWBE

Defra established the AHWBE in response to the recommendations of the independent England Advisory Group on Responsibility and Cost Sharing published in December 2010. Further information is available on the policy background.