WELFARE AT AGRICULTURAL SHOWS
1.
The welfare of animals at rural agricultural and livestock shows was raised as a concern at
BVA Council in July 2011 and has been discussed in further detail by EWG. We consider an
agricultural show to be defined as when livestock are brought together for a competition or as
a show piece, including for sales. Agricultural shows usually focus on presenting farmed
livestock but other animals including pets are also often present at these shows.
2.
BVA believes high standards of animal welfare at shows should be promoted in the show
planning process, rather than the focus being primarily on the prevention of suffering and
transmission of disease. We therefore recommend that show committees should seek advice
from vets when planning shows, as well as encouraging breed societies to set standards and
educate members. This could prevent potential welfare issues from occurring in the first place
– as opposed to emergency vets trying to fix problems caused by poor welfare standards on
the day.
3.
The current authority for vets at shows focuses on the prevention of spreading infectious
diseases. BVA believes that the ability of vets to prevent welfare issues and to take action if
issues did occur would be aided greatly by AHVLA requiring veterinary involvement in the
licensing process from a welfare perspective as well as the current biosecurity perspective.
The creation of a specific veterinary health and welfare plan for each show should be a
requirement, and a sliding scale of veterinary involvement proportional to the size of the show
/ numbers of animals and particular species of animals involved should be developed for
inclusion in the licensing system. This would ensure high standards of animal welfare are
maintained throughout the event – any decline would then be a breach of licensing conditions,
with the possibility of the show having to close if welfare problems are not rectified. A
pragmatic approach to plans should be taken, to reflect the size and needs of each show.
4.
Shows can sometimes be challenging for the animals as they have been removed from their
usual management routine and some factors may be outwith the control of individual
competitors e.g. time taken to judge leading to confinement for long periods. This indicates the
importance of preparing a welfare plan in advance. It has also been reported that on rare
occasions, exhibitors knowingly compromise the welfare of their show animals to gain a
competitive advantage. Vets might include advice to avoid procedures to enhance appearance
as part of herd or flock health plans. Practices which could cause welfare issues should not be
allowed to occur and there should be a focus on the quality of life for the animals involved and
not only consideration of aesthetics. A robust inspection system should be in place to aid
compliance and enforcement of the terms and conditions of licensing. The Codes of Conduct
and rules and regulations for showing should also reflect that the requirements for the best
possible welfare are paramount, and define the animal welfare role of the show vet at an
appropriate level of involvement.
5.
BVA believes livestock breeders, breed societies, farmers, show organisers, vets and welfare
organisations should continue to work in partnership, share best practice and create a solution
to ensure practices that could compromise animal welfare no longer occur at livestock shows.