Compassion in World Farming and Eurogroup for Animals has called for stronger legislation for farmed fish.
A survey from Sapience showed 85% of people polled in the UK believe the welfare of fish should be protected to the same or greater extent as other farmed animals.
An additional 91% of people polled across nine other European countries also agreed with this.
“Our new survey shows that the overwhelming majority of UK citizens care about the welfare of farmed fish,” said Dr Natasha Boyland, senior research and policy advisor (aquatic animals) at CIWF. “However, many are unaware of the cruelty that can be inflicted during rearing and slaughter.”
It is estimated that up to 77 million fish are farmed and slaughtered in the UK annually – primarily salmon and trout – but there is little legal protection for the welfare of these animals.
According to the campaign groups, although covered by laws including the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act, the lack of detailed requirements for fish makes the legislation ineffective and unenforceable.
The Animal Welfare Committee has given strong guidance to the UK governments on legal protection needed for farmed fish at the time of killing in opinion reports from 1996, 2014 and 2023, but the groups say little progress has been made.
CIWF and Eurogroup have written a letter to Defra, calling on secretary of state Daniel Zeichner to act on the Animal Welfare Committee’s advice as a matter of urgency, and introduce legislation to ensure farmed fish are protected at slaughter.
“Fish, like animals farmed on land, are sentient beings, who need laws to minimise their suffering,” said Boyland. “We urge the UK government to respond to the public’s concerns and introduce species-specific laws for fish and a timeline of delivery. It’s time to act, without delay.”
“As a key fish supplier to the EU, the UK is uniquely placed to partner with the EU to set high welfare standards for the production and imports of aquaculture products, starting with the introduction of species-specific regulation for these sentient beings,” said Charlotte Epinay, aquatic animals programme leader, Eurogroup for Animals.
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