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Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Conservative) on Tuesday, 6 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 8 January 2026. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Tuesday, 13 January 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Fish Farming: Animal Welfare

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, pursuant to the Animal Welfare Strategy for England published on 22 December 2025, when she expects to consult on and introduce legislation to strengthen protections for farmed fish at slaughter; and if she will publish the timetable for commissioning and receiving expert advice on farmed fish welfare prior to slaughter.

Answer

The Animal Welfare Strategy was published on 22 December and sets out our priorities for animal welfare, focusing on the changes and improvements we aim to achieve by 2030.

As laid out in the strategy, and following the Animal Welfare Committee’s report on the topic, the Government will consult on introducing humane slaughter requirements for farmed fish into legislation. Further details will be set out in due course.

A project to better understand the welfare of farmed fish prior to slaughter has been included in the Animal Welfare Committee Workplan for 2026, which can be found here. Amongst other things the project will include an assessment of Recirculating Aquaculture Systems.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
103211
Session
2024-26
Related items
Animal welfare strategy for England
Monday, 22 December 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Subjects
Animal welfare Public consultation Fish farming
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk