UK trade deal with Gulf states could lower animal welfare standards

British farmers and animal welfare groups are concerned about a new trade deal the United Kingdom (UK) is making with six Gulf countries.

The £1.6 billion (€1.87 billion) deal would allow the import of chicken meat from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Farmers say the agreement could lead to meat entering the UK that does not meet British animal welfare standards. In many Gulf countries, the animal welfare rules are not as strict.

Chickens are often kept in crowded indoor spaces. Stunning before slaughter is also not always used. Halal slaughter methods in the region sometimes require the bird to be fully conscious.

The UK’s National Farmers’ Union (NFU) says that if these animal welfare differences are ignored in the deal, UK farmers will be at a disadvantage.

Although the trade agreement would require imported chicken to meet hygiene standards, it would not require the same level of animal welfare. Animal welfare groups say this is a serious problem.

Opening the UK market to imports of this kind of chicken would undercut British farmers who’ve invested in higher welfare systems, World Animal Protection said. The animal welfare organization added that the UK Gulf deal would also betray the public, who overwhelmingly support better treatment for farmed animals.

Farmers and campaigners are urging the government to include strong animal welfare protections in the deal. They say that the UK should not weaken its own standards just to make trade easier.

The UK government has not confirmed if welfare standards will be included in the final agreement. Talks with the Gulf countries are still ongoing.