Originally from: mona parr
                        
NEW ANIMAL HEALTH AND WELFARE ADVISORY GROUP APPOINTED

http://www.defra.gov.uk/news/2005/050606a.htm
 
An independent group has been appointed to advise government on implementing the new Animal Health and Welfare Strategy.

The 12-strong body will draw on the extensive experience and expertise of its members ranging from farming, the veterinary profession, animal welfare and other related industries.

Known as the England Implementation Group (EIG) it is expected to meet about every two months.

The group will work with government, the livestock and food industries, animal owners, the veterinary profession, consumers and other stakeholders to ensure the strategy is delivered in England.

It will be chaired by Helen Browning OBE, who has 20 years' experience of the food and farming industries as a major organic producer and a former chair of the Soil Association.

Helen Browning, currently the Association's director of food and farming, is a commissioner of the Meat & Livestock Commission and chair of the Food Ethics Council.

Ben Bradshaw, Animal Health and Welfare minister, who appointed the members, said: "It is vital that stakeholders play a central role in the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy. It should not be managed just by government but by everyone who has an interest in protecting animal health and welfare. I value the collective knowledge, skill and experience the members of this new group offers as it will help drive this key initiative forward."

Notes for editors

1. In addition to the appointment of Helen Browning as the Chair of the EIG, the other members are set out below:

RICHARD BENNETT

An agricultural economist at Reading University with over 20 years experience of working on research into the economics of animal health and welfare. Has undertaken numerous projects on the economic aspects of animal health and welfare for both government and commercial organisations. A trustee and council member of the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare and of the Humane Slaughter Association. He is a member of the Farm Animal Welfare Council.

TIM BRIGSTOCKE

A founding director of a specialist knowledge transfer company for the land-based sector and formerly Chief Executive of Holstein UK. Takes an active role in a large number of organisations including as a director/trustee of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and chairman of the Institute of Biology Agricultural Sciences Committee. He is chairman of the Royal Association of British Dairy Farmers and executive director of Cattle Health Certification Standards.

NEIL CUTLER

A partner in a family run dairy farming business who has been an active member of the advisory group for the development of the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy. A former chair of the NFU Animal Health & Welfare Committee, board member of RUMA alliance and AMTRA, and is a member of the Veterinary Residues Committee.

NIGEL DURNFORD

The Principal Animal Health and Welfare Inspector with Gloucestershire County Council Trading Standards with over 25 years experience in delivery and enforcement of animal health and welfare standards within local authorities. He is a member of the National Animal Health and Welfare Panel and lectures on animal health and welfare law and enforcement for the SW Regional Assembly.

STEWART HOUSTON

A partner in a family owned sow pig unit and a director of a company producing pig systems. He is chair of the National Pig Association, The British Pig Executive, the Pig Health and Welfare Council and Meat & Livestock Commission Commissioner.

PETER JINMAN

A senior partner in a veterinary practice in Herefordshire and an active member of the interim advisory group for the development of the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy. A member of a number of committees including the Food Standards Agency Independent Advisory Group, the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee and was previously President of the British Veterinary Association.

DIANA McCREA

An independent consultant on food and consumer affairs and formerly head of Food and Health Research with the Consumers' Association (Which?). Has represented Consumers International as the head of the delegation at Codex Alimentarius – the international food standards setting body. A member of a number of committees including the advisory committee on Animal Feedstuffs and the Spongiform Encephalopathy Advisory Committee.

MARTIN POTTER

An independent consultant on farm animal welfare and husbandry with a background in research in animal welfare science. Formerly Head of Farm Animals Department with RSPCA and is a member of the Farm Animal Welfare Council.

RICHARD SIBLEY

Principal and director of a mixed veterinary practice for over 27 years. The founding member of the Board of the National Dairy Farm Assured Scheme and has chaired BCVA committees for Farm Assurance, Health Planning and TB.

WILLIAM SWANN

Director of the Brooke Hospital for Animals implementing programmes of welfare and health improvements in three continents. Also over 21 years experience of veterinary practice. Extensive committee experience including World Society for the Protection of Animals, Companion Animal Welfare Council and Ethics and Law Veterinary Association.

SARAH WOLFENSOHN

Head of Veterinary Services Department at Oxford University she has a varied background in science, pharmaceutical industry and education. Active on European committees and on the Joint Working Group on Refinement: To improve animal welfare.

2. A member from the food industry has still to be appointed. Scotland and Wales will develop their own implementation plans.

3. All appointments to the Group are made on behalf of the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. These appointments were made in accordance with the Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies issued by the Office for the Commissioner for Public Appointments (OCPA).

4. These appointments take effect from 1 June 2005 and will be for terms of two or three years.

5. The chair will be remunerated at a standard amount of £500 per day.

6. Members will be remunerated at a standard daily rate of £300 per day.