The annual Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) Discussion Forum will return to London on 5 June with an exciting new debate format that will feature expert speakers putting forth opposing arguments on the welfare of UK’s farmed animals and exotic species in captivity.
One of the best-loved CPD events of the veterinary calendar, the Discussion Forum invites experts from around the world to discuss a range of fascinating sessions designed to address key issues impacting animal welfare today and to inspire change. This year’s sessions will feature a formal debate style, with experts speaking for and against a motion before opening the floor to questions and views from the audience.
The morning debate session, chaired by RCVS president Amanda Boag, will pose the question: ‘UK farming: is welfare good enough?’. The UK’s farm animal welfare standards are considered among the highest in the world. However, issues such as non-stun slaughter, the live transport of animals and the changes facing the agricultural sector in terms of technology, growth and Brexit challenge this claim. David Main, Professor of Production Animal Health and Welfare at the Royal Agricultural University, and Jim Reynolds, Professor of Large Animal Medicine and Welfare at Western University of Health Sciences, California, will take opposing stances on the issue, drawing on insights from developments in farming practices in the UK and around the world.
The afternoon debate, chaired by Sky News Sports Editor Nick Powell, will ask if we can meet the welfare needs of the growing numbers of non-traditional companion animals and wildlife in domestic settings or in zoos. Internationally renowned specialist zoo and wildlife vet Romain Pizzi, exotics vet Tariq Abou-Zahr and the Born Free Foundation’s Dr Chris Draper and Mark Jones will debate the issue, looking at the complexity of husbandry requirements of exotic animals, the suitability of current animal welfare assessment frameworks, and the ‘greater good’ of conservation and breeding programmes, among other themes.
Follow the link to read the article in full on the BVA website