Snares – new call to action – please help!
Please ask your MP to sign a new Early Day Motion (EDM) which calls for the government to implement its promised ban on snares as soon as possible.
Posted 05 Feb 2025

Posted on the 10th December 2009
The Soil Association’s (SA) Organic Standard for Processors sets out its guidelines for the killing and processing animals who have been reared under organic systems. In the introduction, the guiding principle for Organic Standard is clearly stated: ‘To treat livestock ethically, meeting their physiological and behavioural needs.’ (1.2)
The SA’s Guidelines further state that abattoirs ‘must have a training programme that includes meat hygiene, organic integrity and animal welfare’ (42.3.1) and that staff ‘are competent, well trained and caring’. (42.5.1) On animal welfare, the SA declares: ‘The health and welfare of animals is fundamental to managing organic livestock’ and that abattoir workers must ‘avoid cruelty; satisfy the needs of animals by handling, housing and transporting them with proper care and attention; and always look after animals’ physical and behavioural needs, health and well-being’. (10.2.1)
In section 42.7.5, slaughterhouse workers are advised that they ‘must not use undue force or electric goads to move animals’.
The SA’s Guidelines – as well as the Welfare of Animals (Slaughter or Killing) Regulations 1995 – stipulates that, in order to stun animals effectively using Electronarcosis (dry electrodes), the operator must ‘place electrodes to span the brain’. (42.9.3)
The SA’s guidelines state that abattoir workers ‘must not do any dressing or electrical tenderisation until the following times after the animal is fully bled: Sheep and pigs 20 seconds’. (42.9.17)
Please ask your MP to sign a new Early Day Motion (EDM) which calls for the government to implement its promised ban on snares as soon as possible.
Posted 05 Feb 2025
It was a busy and successful year for the reindeer campaign in 2024 – with a children’s book, the work of the reindeer coalition and amazing local activists. Here are some of the best bits!...
Posted 04 Feb 2025