RABDF welcomes new Animal Health and Welfare Board
26 April 2011
The Royal Association of British Dairy Farmer has welcomed Defra minister Jim Paice’s announcement today, Tuesday 26 April for a new Animal Health and Welfare Board to make direct recommendations to Government Ministers.
“We have supported the whole approach of responsibility sharing and are delighted at the minister responding so positively to the Radcliffe group’s recommendations,” commented RABDF chairman, David Cotton. “However it will be a massive challenge for Board members to make recommendations to Ministers on animal health and welfare policy since all kept animals will be covered, from beef cattle to budgerigars. Furthermore, we are all aware that the Board’s brief is for England only, and disease pays no regard to the boundaries of Offa’s Dyke and Hadrian’s Wall.
“Consequently, we firmly believe that it will be crucial that the appointed chairman has the gravitas to make happen this proposed new way of working, as did Sir John Krebs, when he was charged to take on the mantle of the FSA. The newly merged AHVLA will also have a key role to play in the new arrangement’s success.”
He adds: “We are pleased that the Minister’s response makes clear that any cost sharing element will come much later. The National Audit Office has made it clear that Defra does not have an accounting system in place fit for such a purpose.”
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