THE Government has scrapped plans to change farm animal welfare codes.

It had planned to replace statutory welfare codes with industry-led guidelines but charities, including Compassion in World Farming, wrote to the Government to oppose the plans.

They argued that allowing the industry to "self-regulate" would risk lowering current standards because farmers would no longer be required to abide by the codes.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs said the current system would remain in place.

A spokesman said: "We have the highest standards of animal welfare in the world, and no changes have been proposed to the legislation upholding them. We want to draw more closely on the expertise of the farming industry to ensure our welfare codes reflect the very latest scientific and veterinary developments.

"In light of views raised, we have given the matter further consideration and believe we can achieve this objective by retaining the existing statutory codes. The work of the farming industry has been invaluable and we will continue to work with them to ensure our guidance is updated to best help them to comply with our high welfare standards."

The British Poultry Council (BPC) was involved in the Government's consultation and was disappointed by the U-turn as livestock farmers would be left with "outdated welfare guidance".

John Reed, chairman, said: "By revoking its decision, Defra is walking away from an opportunity to ensure welfare guidance is kept up-to-date with the latest research using industry expertise."

Minette Batters, NFU deputy president, said Defra's decision was "extremely concerning" and set a dangerous precedent.

She said: "Reversing considerable efforts to replace older, out-of-date guidance in the face of sensationalist pressure from campaigning groups undermines both government rationale and the importance of an up-to-date animal welfare code.

"The NFU, alongside other farming organisations, has been strengthening this guidance with scientific evidence, making it relevant to farming practices today. The guidance is one of the key tools farmers can refer to when health planning for their herd or flock and to disregard such an important resource shows little understanding of its value."

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Sean Wensley, British Veterinary Association (BVA) president, said they had not opposed the concept of moving to non-statutory codes, some of which were in urgent need of updating to reflect the latest animal welfare science and good practice.

He said: "It is now important for Defra to work with the veterinary profession, industry and all relevant stakeholders to find a way forward that ensures vital welfare codes can be brought up to date in an open way that instils public confidence."