Animal Welfare and Health Centre will benefit South West Farmers

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 5th May 2010

MEPs have called upon the EU to create a Centre for Animal Welfare and Animal Health to help enforce and better apply European rules in all member states.

The move came as part of the European Parliament's review of the Animal Welfare Action Plan 2006-2010. In recent years, the EU has built up a substantial body of laws that aim to safeguard animal rights but also reduce the risk of disease spreading into the food chain.

Local Lib Dem MEP Graham Watson praised the steps that have already been taken;

"The EU has led the way when it comes to animal welfare and animal health. The legal relationship between humans and animals has been vastly improved but we can do better."

It is hoped that the proposed centre will act as a coordinating hub for national authorities, industry and the public in monitoring the implementation of rules and sharing of best practice.

Watson believes that it is in everyone's interest to ensure that the rules are applied equally across Europe. He said;

"UK farmers have been raising their game in response to changes in the law. It is important that this is mirrored throughout Europe if we are to make progress and create a level playing field for food chain actors.

"The Centre would make sure that no-one ducks their responsibilities and all meet the same high standards. It would benefit farmers here in the South West"