White papers are useful indices for measuring how legislators view animals and their welfare. By looking at them, it is hoped that cross-departmental thinking and policy making on animal welfare issues will be evident and encouraged.
Between January 2004 and December 2009, 61 white papers were published by different UK government departments. Fourteen of those, almost a quarter, were identified as having the potential to incorporate animal welfare, however only six actually did make reference to animal welfare in some way.
It is disappointing that animal welfare is of little or no consideration when policy and debate occurs in relation to other UK issues such as education, local government and health. It is hoped that when different government ministries look at policy and legislation, animal welfare (where appropriate) is given due consideration and is reflected in future white papers.
For more information, read the 'White Paper' animal welfare indicator.
