NOAH: We need the government to safeguard the welfare of UK’s farm animals

With Brexit in the spotlight, the manifesto highlights what is needed for the UK to secure a future as a global centre of excellence for animal medicines and why the UK animal medicines industry is important to society and the economy. Candidates across the country, if elected, are called to:

• Make sure the important role of animal medicines is recognised and our sector’s needs included in our Brexit negotiations
• Support incentives to develop innovative treatments and better diagnostics, and to ensure prescribers, farmers and pet owners retain access to a full range of animal medicines
• Ensure  decisions about the animal health sector are based on evidence and science

Dawn Howard, chief executive, NOAH, said: “Our industry underpins so much that is valued in British society. The production of food from healthy animals on UK farms; our relationship with the pets that share 44% of British homes – in everything we and our members do at NOAH, we aim to improve the lives of animals through encouraging responsible farming and pet ownership and promoting the safe and responsible use of medicines.

“As we leave the EU, it is so important that Government ensures that what our sector needs to continue to provide the tools to allow our sector to thrive in the UK is included in Brexit negotiations.

“All of our animals – whether pets or farm animals – have a right to the most appropriate treatment if they become sick, to reduce their suffering, to protect their health and welfare and to ensure they can continue to provide companionship or produce safe, nutritious food. This manifesto aims to raise awareness of the issues and encourage support among our future Members of Parliament.”