The Pet Food Manufacturers’ Association (PFMA) announced its three-year Pet Food Vision, which focuses on the core pillars underpinning the work of the association and its members: animal welfare, nutrition, safety and standards.
The aim of the PFMA vision is to cement the UK pet food sector’s position as a world leader on these key areas, as the industry prepares for healthy trade and maintained high standards, in a post-Brexit environment.
It was revealed that the spotlight will be thrown on a different pillar each year. In 2018, PFMA will focus on animal welfare.
Michael Bellingham, chief executive PFMA, said: “PFMA believes that the five welfare needs are essential to the wellbeing of any animal. With Brexit negotiations ongoing and the Draft Animal Welfare Bill 2017 working its way through parliament, the time is right to put animal welfare at the heart of our agenda.
“As experts in pet nutrition, we are keen to engage in the many conversations which recognise the intersection of pet food and feeding with animal welfare. By working with other thought leaders in this area, we will be able to advise and shape policy.”
PFMA will co-sponsor the All Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare (APGAW), alongside RSPCA. The association also works to promote positive welfare messages as a joint trustee of National Pet Month (NPM) and through its support of the Animal Welfare Education Alliance (AWEA).
Co-chair of APGAW Lord Trees added: “I was delighted to lead the discussion on animal welfare at PFMA’s Annual Convention and even more delighted to see the industry coming together to focus on animal welfare. I hope that a united voice succeeds in ensuring the UK continues to establish itself as a world leader in animal welfare post-Brexit.”
