ABSTRACT
The UK has a long history in being a strong animal welfare proponent and currently has some of the highest animal welfare standards worldwide, as it tends to impose stricter regulations. Since the announcement of the departure from the EU, debates and legislative issues have risen on the opportunities and threats for domestic animal welfare standards. Opportunities include the review and improvement of current standards and acting upon the recognition of animal health and welfare as public goods. Future reform of welfare standards includes a ban on live animal exports, explicitly legislating for the recognition of animal sentience, and the duty to pay full regard to animal welfare requirements, when formulating and implementing policies. In addition, there are also concerns in the coming years regarding the impact of influential trade deals and the effectiveness of the new monitoring system for live animal imports (IPAFFS).
