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Farmed animal welfare: Markets

Markets Overview

Our objective is that animals passing through markets should be treated in a humane and caring way. We are determined that the best possible standards are maintained in markets and by market staff in order to achieve this objective.

Livestock markets are widely seen as the shop window of the livestock industry, and animal welfare at markets remains an issue of considerable public concern. It is in everyone's interest to ensure that high standards of welfare prevail. This requires both sympathetic, competent and informed handling, and well maintained equipment and facilities, designed with the welfare of animals in mind.

Most recent initiatives designed to improve upon existing practices are;

  • Animal Health Agency bi-annual welfare assessment visits to all markets
  • Continued promotion of the strategy for the Protection of Animal Welfare at livestock markets
  • A review of current market legislation
  • Preparation of an advisory report on market welfare by FAWC

Summary

Livestock markets are seen as a shop window of the livestock industry.

Our objective is a high standard of welfare and for the humane treatment of animals passing through markets.

This requires

  • well-maintained equipment and facilities, designed with the welfare of animals in mind, and
  • sympathetic handling by properly trained and competent personnel.

There have been statutory controls governing the welfare of animals in markets since the 1960's. Legislation is supported by codes of practice, and the 1998 strategy for the protection of animals at markets. Further information is given on this page.

The current legislation was made in 1990 and was considered by the Farm Animal Welfare Council as part of its review of the welfare of animals at markets, including livestock markets and horse and pony sales. FAWC published their review (the welfare of farmed animals at gatherings) in June 2005. We will be considering their recommendations carefully.

If you have any reason for concern about the treatment of an animal at a market please bring it without delay to the attention of:

  • the market welfare officer, or
  • the Local Authority inspector or
  • the Defra Animal Health Agency representative or Local Veterinary Inspector (LVI).

Legislation

The aim of this legislation is to ensure a high standard of welfare for all animals passing through markets.

These rules apply from the moment animals are unloaded at arrival, through to their care as they depart. A summary of the main provisions is given below.

Protection from Injury and Suffering

The markets legislation makes it an offence to

  • permit an unfit animal to be exposed for sale
  • be party to injury or unnecessary suffering to an animal, including the exposure to adverse weather conditions
  • mishandle animals at market, prohibiting lifting, dragging or inappropriate tying of an animal.
  • use excessive force to control an animal; the use of sticks, whips, crops and goads are also restricted.

Penning, Caging, Feeding and Watering

The market operator must ensure that:
  • animals are kept in pens, cages or hutches suitable for the size and species
  • there is appropriate feeding, watering and bedding arrangements, as well as lighting and ventilation
  • there is suitable accommodation for the treatment of unfit animals

Young Animals

There are special provisions for the protection of young animals.
  • calves under 7 days old or with unhealed navels must not be brought for sale
  • individual calves must not be repeatedly exposed for sale
  • foals must be brought for sale at the foot of their dam, and while at the market a foal must not be separated from its mother.

Enforcement

Local authorities enforce welfare legislation at markets. The Animal Health Agency also has a major role to play help to ensure that high standards are consistently achieved. There is a frequent Animal Health Agency presence at markets to monitor compliance.

The 1998 Strategy for the Protection of Animal Welfare at Livestock Markets

To improve welfare standards at markets, in 1998 the Government launched the Strategy for the Protection of Animal Welfare at Livestock Markets.

The Strategy was developed in close consultation with a range of interested bodies, to obtain a widely accepted and comprehensive method for maintaining high standards of animal welfare at markets.

The main aims of the Strategy are to:

  • clarify the division of responsibilities in the market
  • encourage market operators to appoint market welfare officers
  • emphasise the value of the codes of practice
  • provide action points for addressing the most pressing welfare issues
  • promote good communication between all people with an interest in markets
  • monitor welfare standards so that points of concern can be identified rapidly and dealt with appropriately

Copies of the Strategy are available from the contact points given below.

Monitoring Compliance and Improving Performance

In order to assess compliance with the Strategy, the Animal Health Agency carries out market inspection assessments of each market operating, twice a year. These visits assess the standards at markets, taking into account assessments made by SVS staff in their regular markets enforcement visits in the preceding period.

These Strategy visits help with consistent monitoring of welfare standards at markets across the country. Monitoring in this way will tell us whether certain problems are becoming less (or more) frequent and also alert us to any new problems. The cycle of continuous assessment is intended to encourage market operators continually to aim for the highest standards, with the opportunity for regular feedback and guidance. Problems identified are brought to the attention of the market operator and, as the responsible enforcement agency, the local authority.

Summary reports of findings are available from the contact points below:

A combined 2000/2001 report is being prepared.

How to obtain copies of printed publications

Copies of the Defra publications quoted above (those with PB reference) are available from the contact points below:

By email aw-transport@defra.gsi.gov.uk

  • Defra publications.
  • Scottish Executive Environment and Rural Affairs Department
    Pentland House
    47 Robbs Loan
    Edinburgh EH14 1TY

  • Welsh Assembly Government Agriculture Department
    Cathays Park
    Cardiff CF1 3NQ

Further information

 

 

Page last modified: 12 June, 2008
Page published: 5 August, 2002

Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs