Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs written question – answered at on 23 September 2025.
Sammy Wilson
DUP, East Antrim
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, in what way is the Animal and Plant Health Agency verifying that approved methods are used in (a) farms with large integrated businesses and (b) other sized farms.
Sammy Wilson
DUP, East Antrim
To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what plans his Department has to ensure that approved methods of killing piglets on farms are being adhered to through proactive inspections.
Angela Eagle
The Minister of State, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has legal powers under Section 28 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 to inspect farm premises. These inspections help ensure that animals bred or kept for farming purposes are treated in accordance with welfare regulations.
APHA conducts a set number of welfare inspections on farms each year. These visits are often unannounced and are intended to assess compliance with animal welfare legislation.
In addition, APHA investigates complaints of the illegal slaughter or killing on farms. APHA provides advice on how to achieve compliance and where necessary, APHA supports the local authority in carrying enforcement actions, including prosecutions, to ensure compliance.
Yes1 person thinks so
No1 person thinks not
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