Challenge Ahead for New Animal Health & Welfare Board
Defras has announced the first non-executive members of the new Animal Health and Welfare Board for England. Stewart Houston, Stuart Roberts, Mark Tufnell and veterinary surgeon Tim Morris will be joining chair Michael Seals in helping develop the Government's straetgic Animal Health and Welfare policy.
The Board's inception followed a recommendation by the Responsibility and Cost Sharing Advisory Group, and it will be making direct recommendations to ministers on policy pertaining to the health and welfare of all kept animals, from farm animals to horses and pets.
Carl Padgett, President of the British Veterinary Association, welcomed the creation of the Board but highlighted the challenges it will face.
He said: "The Board has the very difficult task of taking forward the responsibility agenda and shaping the way costs will be shared in the future. It must fully engage with all stakeholders if it is to succeed in taking everyone forward in agreement."
He added: "The BVA was supportive of the recommendation of the Radcliffe group to create an expert Animal Health and Welfare Board and we welcome the announcement that it will now start work in November."
For more information on the AHWBE, click here.
Eligible members of BEVA will be able to vote for their Council team until Monday, 17 August 2026. Members will have received an election email on 17 July.
