FARMING: MAFF accused of ignoring welfare

The Ministry of Agriculture ignores recommendations from it own experts on ending animal cruelty, a report from the pressure group Compassion in World Farming said yesterday. It highlighted 21 cases in which the ministry had not acted after its Farm Animal Welfare Council had called for tougher laws to protect livestock. The ignored recommendations included banning the de-beaking of egg-laying hens (to stop them pecking each other in battery cages) and setting a maximum stocking density for broiler chickens.

Report from Compassion in World Farming, 5A Charles Street, Petersfield, Hants GU32 3EH.