Welfare at Transport consultation: deadline extended

Following a letter from NPA, and other industry groups, George Eustice has granted a four-week extension to the Defra Welfare at Transport consultation.

The consultation, launched on December 3, was originally an eight-week consultation and due to end on Thursday January 28. The extension means the deadline is now February 25, 2021.

NPA Senior Policy Adviser, Rebecca Veale, is leading on the NPA response to the consultation, she said: “This is a huge consultation with thirty questions, covering not just live animal exports, but an array of measures which Defra has proposed including temperature parameters, stocking density, sea conditions and headroom allowances.

"If implemented, these proposals would have a significant and dramatic impact on the whole pig supply chain, thankfully, Defra has realised that we need more time provide careful consideration and a detailed response.”

The consultation has come at a busy time for industry, alongside EU Exit and covid-related challenges, the Christmas holiday was in the middle and there are six other consultations currently open which the NPA will be responding to.

“We want to ensure we represent members views fully and so compiling a consultation response that reflects this takes time. This consultation requires a lot of consideration, which is why we’re pleased to the deadline has been extended.”

The NPA is urging members to consider the impact the proposals could have on their business and formulate a response.

"If anyone has any queries about the consultation then please direct them to me (). I'll be very happy to discuss them with members," Rebecca added.