Which laws protect animals during transport, at livestock markets and at slaughter?
A 2. As an interested consumer it is important to have an understanding of how EU and UK legislation protects and regulates the welfare of food animals beyond the farm gate. The Government is responsible for enforcing legislation. The European Union legislates either thorough Directives or Regulations. Directives may give Member States greater flexibility to enforce higher standards within their own country, but all Member States must enforce the minimum requirements laid down in the Directive. However, it can take several years for the Member States to enact the Directive into their national legislation. Regulations are directly enforceable in all Member States immediately that they become law, although there may be provision for Member States to impose higher standards through national legislation. The Defra website provides further details and full access to all the laws mentioned below at http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/welfare/default.htm. EU Council Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 on
