How to report animal welfare concerns in the UK

You may spot a sheep without shelter in a heatwave, pigs in a field with no water, or chickens who look sick or injured.

It can be difficult to know who to contact in the heat of the moment.

The good news is, there are some clear steps you can take.

Reporting your concerns means animals can get help as soon as possible – and it also makes sure farms and businesses are held accountable when welfare standards slip.

Here’s how to report farm animal welfare issues in the UK, depending on what you’ve seen and where.

Sick and injured animals on farms

If you see a farmed animal who looks injured, sick or neglected, it’s important to act quickly. Please report it straight away to the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA):

1. England – call 03000 200 301 or email customeradvice@apha.gov.uk
2. Wales – call 0300 303 8268 or email apha.cymruwales@apha.gov.uk
3. Scotland – contact your local APHA field office.

If you believe a crime has taken place, you should also report it to the police (call 101 for non-emergencies).

And if the farm is a member of RSPCA Assured, please call us on 01403 286170 so we can investigate quickly.

When you make a report, the more detail you can provide, the better. Try to include:

• Where: exact location of the animals (apps like what3words can help)
• When: date and time of what you saw
• What: details of the incident, species involved, number of animals and any photos or videos if you have them
• Who: names of the people involved, if you know them.

Animals exposed to extreme weather

Like all animals, farmed animals can be sensitive to extreme weather. If you see animals struggling, contact your local authority if you notice:

• No dry place for animals to lie down
• No shelter during bad weather
• Sheep left outside just after being shorn (having their wool removed) in winter
• No access to clean drinking water
• No shade in hot weather
• Signs of heat stress, such as panting or weakness, especially in unshorn sheep.

If you think animals are suffering or a crime is being committed, contact the police or APHA immediately.

Farm animals used for entertainment

Farmed animals should never be used for entertainment in ways that harm their welfare.

If you see activities such as cow tipping, pig racing or sheep racing, please report it to:

• The police
• APHA
• Trading Standards
• SSPCA (Scotland)
• USPCA (Northern Ireland).

Concerns about transport and slaughter

If you’re concerned about the way farmed animals are being transported, treated at markets or handled in slaughterhouses, you can:

• Contact your local authority or Trading Standards about transport or livestock markets
• Report issues at slaughterhouses (or illegal killing outside of licensed slaughterhouses) to the Food Standards Agency (FSA)
• Let the police and local authority know as they can also take action if laws are being broken.

Other welfare concerns you should report

There are a few more situations where reporting is vital:

• Sheep worrying (dogs chasing or attacking livestock) – report it to the police
• Livestock theft, hare coursing or fox hunting – report to the police
• Suspected notifiable diseases (such as bird flu or bovine tuberculosis – contact APHA
• Dead livestock not disposed of properly – contact Trading Standards.

Together for farmed animal welfare

I know it can feel daunting to step in, but every call or email can make a real difference.

Your report could help a sick or injured animal get urgent care, prevent future suffering or improve conditions on a farm.

So next time you spot something that doesn’t look right, don’t walk away. Speak up. Report it. You could be the reason an animal gets the help they desperately need.