MPs urged to recognise importance of animals to society
Ahead of the General Election (12 December), the National Office for Animal Health (NOAH) has launched a manifesto calling on prospective MPs to pledge their support to safeguard animal health and welfare.
The manifesto highlights why the animal health industry is important to the economy and society. It calls on candidates to:
• recognise the important role of animal health products and services and include our sector’s needs as the UK negotiates any future relationship with the EU and beyond
• support the sustainable development of the UK’s food and farming industry by placing animal health and welfare at the heart of any future policy
• support positive health and societal wellbeing by preventing people from having to give up their pets as they move into rented accommodation or care facilities.
“NOAH’s vision is to be at the forefront of UK animal health and welfare. Our medicines protect the health and welfare of all animals: pets in our homes; livestock or fish on UK farms,” said Dawn Howard, chief executive at NOAH.
“All have a right to be treated with appropriate medicines to protect their health and welfare, to prevent disease and reduce suffering, and to ensure they can continue to provide companionship or to produce the safe, nutritious food that the UK public expects."
She continued: “Our industry underpins so much that is valued in British society. In everything we and our members do at NOAH, we aim to improve the lives of animals through encouraging responsible farming and pet ownership and promoting the safe and responsible use of medicines.”
The manifesto sets out the role of the animal health industry in One Health and explains how animal health and welfare must be central to any future food and farming strategy.
Ms Howard explained: “The UK has a key role to play on the world stage in tackling the One Health challenges that face us all. But this starts at home with the interconnection of the health and wellbeing of people, animals and the environment. We need a collaborative approach to tackling issues as varied as antimicrobial resistance, improving vaccination rates and improving mental health and wellbeing.
“The successful development and delivery of future UK animal health and welfare policy will require industry and Government to rise to the challenge together. The animal health sector can lead and is committed to supporting the provision of safe, healthy, affordable food for all and in enabling healthy animals play their part in our society.”
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