There are many farming practices that would shock consumers if they had the full picture. Mutilations, prolonged confinement, harmful selective breeding are some of the UK industrial farming practices that are standard. 85% of all farmed animals in this country are raised in industrial farms. 🧵

Does your milk come from ‘battery cows’? writes @tbij.bsky.social The Bureau of Investigative Journalism has found that there has been a rise in farms housing cows confined indoors 24/7 in the UK. 🧵

Tail docking is a mutilation – prohibited by Section 5 of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, Section 5 of the Welfare of Animals Act (Northern Ireland) 2011, and Section 20 of the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. 🧵

2.2%. That's how many cases of non-compliance with animal protection law on UK farms led to prosecution in 2024. Non-compliance is the failure to meet the minimum legal standards that were created to protect animals from a whole host of maltreatment, and ensure their welfare needs are met. 🧵

The law is clear. The science is clear. 🦞 In December 2025, the UK government officially recognised that boiling these animals alive is unlawful under current law. 🧵👇

Plaid Cymru’s Welsh Government urged to improve animal protection measures’ reports @nation.cymru Following the elections in Wales, we have written to the new Welsh Government calling on them to put animals back into the Animal Welfare Act 2006. 🧵

“[the claimant’s barrister] has manfully attempted to elevate chickens to a status that somehow makes them victims and persons affected…” These were words spoken in a UK High Court hearing about billions of animals suffering fractures and breathing difficulties. 🧵👇

Our work has recently reached some significant milestones in the government’s Animal Welfare Strategy. Scroll to see what's been achieved, and what it means for what comes next. #AnimalLaw #AnimalProtection

It’s time to press the reset button and put Animals back into the Animal WelfareAct and the Animal Health and Welfare (Scotland) Act 2006. After 20 years since these landmark pieces of legislation were passed, it is time to assess whether the law is being interpreted as it was intended. 🧵👇

Our Executive Director Edie Bowles recently joined Barrister, Professor and co-Editor of @ukhumanrightsblog.bsky.social Rosalind English, alongside Campaigns Director from @adfreecities.bsky.social, Veronica Wiggins, to discuss pervasive forms of misinformation in our food system. 🧵👇

Our report on #APigsTail, covered by Vet Times: ‘Welfare priorities’: vets come under fire after critical pig tail dock report’ Our latest report examines why routine tail docking remains so prevalent in the UK despite a legal ban and the fact other countries have been able to stop it. 🧵👇

Our fight against Food Chain Misinformation 🧵👇

In 1822, Parliament passed Martin’s Act – said to be the first nationwide animal protection law in the world. Over time animal law has developed with “unnecessary suffering” becoming a central legal principle. 🧵👇

What you see isn't always what you get. While 85% of farmed animals are raised in industrial farms, the predominant image we see is of farmed animals running around on green pastures, surrounded by space, and raised well. This is not the reality for the vast majority of farmed animals in the UK 🧵👇

How has the concept of ‘meeting animals’ needs’ evolved over time? When it was passed, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (‘the AWA’) was a landmark piece of legislation. It promised the fulfilment of dual goals, not only the prevention of harm, but also the promotion of animals’ welfare. 🧵👇

Ruth Jones MP has tabled a Parliamentary Question on our behalf to ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, in light of our report on #APigsTail, what assessment she has made of the potential implications for her policies of the levels of pig tail docking. 🧵👇

What do vets have to say about the routine tail docking of pigs? UK veterinarian Dr @alicebrough.bsky.social, Finnish veterinarian Pihla Markkola and Finnish professor Anna Valros provide their perspectives. 🧵👇

We fully support the calls made by public figures, including Diane Morgan and @wendyturnerwebster.bsky.social, and more than 20 animal protection groups, including ourselves, to ensure animals are depicted accurately by the BBC. The letter was led by @humaneworldorg.bsky.social. 🧵👇

New insight: The UK falls behind on phasing out pig mutilations. Tail docking remains widespread in UK pig farming, despite being legally permitted only as a last resort. In comparison, other European countries have taken stronger legal stances. 🧵👇

Happy Easter! The Animal Law Foundation wishes you a happy Easter. Easter is a time for new beginnings, and in the coming weeks we are expecting the Court’s judgment in our case on chicken handling. 🧵👇

“Campaigners raise alarm about 'illegal' pig farming practice” writes @dailyexpressnews.bsky.social Yesterday we published a new report showing that the UK is failing to enforce its own law prohibiting the routine tail docking of pigs as data shows it still happens routinely. 🧵👇

NEW REPORT 💡 A Pig’s Tail: How Europe is moving beyond routine tail docking 🧵👇

Did you know that mutilating animals is illegal in the UK? When it comes to tail docking of pigs, a painful mutilation where pigs' tails are cut off - the law says it must not be done routinely and may only be carried out where other measures to address tail biting have not been effective. 🧵👇

Yesterday we hosted an event in the Welsh Senedd. A huge thank you to our event sponsor Carolyn Thomas MS who highlighted that ensuring that the laws we already have are properly enforced “should not be a controversial ask” yet “it remains a significant challenge” 🧵👇

"Call for renewed focus on anniversary of of animal welfare law" writes @ScottishLegal News 39 animal protection organisations have come together to call for change in Scotland. 🧵👇

Next week, we will be at the Senedd to host a Parliamentary event on #TheEnforcementProblem The event will bring together Members of Senedd and stakeholders to discuss the challenges in enforcing the laws that exist to protect animals in Wales. Stay tuned for updates! #AnimalLaw #AnimalProtection

England and Wales have expanded protest restrictions to include the life sciences sector, which covers animal research and breeding facilities What does this mean for animal protection? Scroll to understand what changed and why it matters for animal protection 🧵👇 #PublicOrderAct #AnimalProtection

40 days: The life of a British chicken and the law. For millions of chickens raised in England each year, life is measured not in seasons, but in days, typically 40 days from hatch to slaughter. 🧵👇

The Animal Welfare Act at 20: success or stagnation? This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Animal Welfare Act 2006, a landmark statute that codified the main legal protections for animals in England and Wales. 🧵👇

Still no accountability for fish welfare violations… 🧵👇

The latest on live boiling in the UK: despite growing evidence of sentience and policy shifts acknowledging it, the practice continues. Researchers, NGOs and legal experts are working together to close the gap between science, policy and practice. @animallawfdn.bsky.social

What are the regulations that ensure that duties are being met when it comes to enforcing animal protection rules? Scroll to learn more 🧵👇 #AnimalLaw #AnimalProtection

The suffering we accept: the offence of ‘unnecessary suffering’ in UK animal protection law. The effort to safeguard animals in law has always been subject to a tension between the protection of animals, and the interests of those who view them as tools or resources to be capitalised on. 🧵👇

A big moment for animals and for the rule of law. We’re proud to share that The Animal Law Foundation has been shortlisted for the Halsbury Award for Rule of Law at the LexisNexis Legal Awards 2026 🏆 🧵👇

'Put animals ‘back at the heart’ of welfare law, Defra urged' Vet Times reports “Dozens of welfare groups have called for a review of key legislation amid fears millions of animals are still suffering 20 years after its protections came into force.” #AWA20 #AnimalProtection #AnimalLaw

Our Executive Director has written a letter on behalf of The Animal Law Foundation, League Against Cruel Sports and 60+ organisations and individuals, calling for a reset of how the Animal Welfare Act is interpreted and enforced. 🧵👇

We are delighted to have been nominated by LexisNexis to win the The Halsbury Award for Rule of Law for 2026! It is great to see our work being recognised in the legal space. It's particularly special to be recognised for the Rule of Law, as this is the principle that defines the legal profession.

Today, The Animal Law Foundation has written to the government alongside @leagueacs.bsky.social and 60 other signatories who are calling on the government to put animals back into The Animal Welfare Act. See who has signed 🧵👇 #AWA20 #AnimalProtection #AnimalLaw

Day two in Court, fighting for chickens. Today we listen to the government's defence over the removal of legal protections for chickens. Stay tuned for more updates. Support our legal work: animallawfoundation.org/donate #HandleWithCare @wakkerdier.bsky.social @rspcaoffficial.bsky.social

Victory for lobsters & crabs🦞🦀 It’s now illegal to boil decapod crustaceans alive in the UK - a major step for animal welfare. The law recognises these animals as sentient and capable of suffering. Via @animallawfdn.bsky.social #AnimalWelfare #MarineLife

Tomorrow we will be in the Royal Courts of Justice for the first day of the full hearing of our challenge over the government’s removal of welfare protections for chickens. Our Executive Director has written about what this case reveals about the UK's animal protection regime 👇🧵

The UK has long been proud of its reputation as a world leader in legal protection for animals. In our first insight of 2026, we look back on our history of legislating to protect farmed animals. 👇

Poultry News reports: “Animal welfare law change to be challenged in court” Next week we will face the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs in the High Court to challenge the government’s decision to remove a legal protection that prohibited the handling of chickens by their legs.

In two weeks’ time, we’ll be back at the Royal Courts of Justice to fight for chickens. 🧵👇

We’re hiring! We are looking for a passionate animal advocate to join our team as Advocacy and Communications Officer in London 🫵 🐾 The position is open until filled but apply early to not miss your chance! Apply here: animallawfoundation.org/careers #AnimalProtection #Hiring #JobAlert

Last night we hosted an event with @leagueacs.bsky.social where we were joined by many animal protection organisations marking the 20th anniversary, with consensus that it is time to press the reset button and put animals back into the Animal Welfare Act. 🧵👇

Why animal welfare failures threaten the rule of law: “A common misconception persists that animal protection is a niche issue, peripheral to core legal principles. In reality, it is a litmus test for them.” 🧵👇

How does the Animal Welfare Strategy for England address law enforcement and legal protections for crustaceans, pigs and fish? The new strategy lays out promising new commitments by the government to reinforce legal protections that exist to protect farmed animals. 🧵👇

“If the information we’re given is false, our choices aren’t really ours” At our Parliament event last month, Diane Morgan spoke powerfully about the impact of #FoodChainMisinformation on consumers. 🧵👇

With its new #AnimalWelfareStrategy the UK government has now acknowledged that boiling lobsters alive is illegal 🦞 We are delighted that the government finally agrees with our interpretation of the law. Read the article here: vegoutmag.com/news/r-tns-u... #PainAtTheTimeofKilling #AnimalLaw