The survey, which was carried out by Sapience – a market research company – polled more than 1,000 people across the UK, in addition to 9,000 participants from across nine EU countries, of which 91 percent agreed with the need for greater welfare protections.
The survey also revealed that 90 percent of UK participants would like to buy products certified with higher welfare standards, whilst 87 percent believe that public funds for aquaculture should only be used to support farms which ensure high animal welfare.
Following the results of this survey, two animal welfare organisations – Compassion in World Farming and Eurogroup for Animals – have called for stronger legislation for the protection of farmed fish welfare. According to these groups, whilst covered by laws such as the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act, a lack of detailed requirements for fish welfare renders current legislation ineffective.
The Animal Welfare Committee – an independent advisory body to the UK government – has previously given strong guidance to UK governments on the need for updated legislation in this area to ensure adequate welfare protection for farmed aquatic animals. However, despite this guidance being issued multiple times, little progress has been made to date.
“Fish, like animals farmed on land, are sentient beings, who need laws to minimise their suffering. We urge the UK government to respond to the publics’ concerns and introduce species-specific laws for fish and a timeline of delivery. It’s time to act, without delay,” said Dr Natasha Boyland, senior research and policy advisor at Compassion in World Farming, in a press release.
