For the record, the NGO was founded in 1997 and now has over 9,500 members. It represents the gamekeeping profession in England and Wales. More details about the organisation can be found on our website: http://www.nationalgamekeepers.org.uk/

1. The NGO has supported the concept of a revision to animal welfare legislation since it was first suggested some four years ago.
   
2. In general we are pleased with the Animal Welfare Bill as published. The long period of consultation has been helpful in reaching agreement.
   
3. The twin concepts of ‘prevention of harm' and ‘promotion of welfare' are well addressed in the Bill.
   
4. The idea of leaving the detail for each sector (including game rearing) to secondary legislation has our support.
   
5. In this context we welcome the Government's stated intention to use the existing code of the Game Farmers' Association to assist in formulating a Defra code for game rearing in due course.
   
6. We note the Government has also said that the Bill is not intended to affect shooting.
   
7. The provision of live quarry shooting depends in large measure on the work of the gamekeepers we represent. An important part of any gamekeepers work is the legal control of predatory species such as foxes, crows, magpies, rats and stoats.
   
8. The definition of protected animal used in the Bill (Clause 2) would include wild animals held in traps and snares.