Animal welfare law is a potential minefield for all those involved in the livestock industry. The legal framework that the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and related regulations has created is extremely complicated. It is difficult to know in advance exactly what the requirements on livestock keepers are, and, when things go wrong, the penalties can be devastating.

Jamie Foster is an acknowledged expert in animal welfare and leads our team in this area. He is the co-author of “Law of Field Sports” with Tim Russ, and regularly provides advice to NGOs and government departments on the development of the law in relation to welfare.

The team has a wealth of experience of defending farmers, hauliers, abattoir owners and those involved in field sports, accused of the full spectrum of welfare compliance breaches. As NFU legal panel members we advise numerous NFU members on welfare issues. We also represent the Countryside Alliance, Country Land and Business Association and Game Conservation and Wildlife Trust Members on such matters.

Tim Hayden and Jamie Foster have been involved in defending the majority of prosecutions brought under the Hunting Act 2006 against members of registered hunts.

To see examples of recent projects, please see How We've Helped Our Clients.

With our specialist expertise our team have been appointed to advise and represent farm businesses, land agents, private and institutional landowners and national organisations such as the NFU, The Crown Estate, the National Trust, the Tenant Farmer’s Association and the Soil Association on quota and subsidy issues.

Contact: Tim Hayden, Jamie Foster