Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of ending the transfer of live animals for fattening.

The transport of live animals, including to fattening units, must comply with EU and domestic legislation aimed at protecting animal welfare.

Last year we launched a Call for Evidence on controlling live exports for slaughter and improving the welfare of all animals during transport. We have passed this evidence to the independent Farm Animal Welfare Committee and expect to receive their report and recommendations shortly.