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<p>Defra applies an evidence-based approach to policy decision-making which makes
use of several sources. These include:</p><p> </p><ul><li>externally commissioned
research;</li><li>collaboration with academia and other research organisations;</li><li>internal
evidence gathering by scientists, veterinarians, social researchers, economists, statisticians
and operational researchers;</li><li>expert committees including the Animal Welfare
Committee and the Zoos Expert Committee;</li><li>views provided by the Animal Health
and Welfare Board for England;</li><li>information and evidence provided by or obtained
from other sources including non-governmental organisations, industry bodies and other
stakeholders;</li><li>information and evidence provided by or obtained from other
government bodies, including the Devolved Administrations.</li></ul><p> </p><p>This
year Defra’s research and innovation interests were published, setting out the high-level
research aims for Defra policies including with reference to animal welfare. This
is available at <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defra-group-research-and-innovation-interests-2021/defra-group-research-and-innovation-interests"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/defra-group-research-and-innovation-interests-2021/defra-group-research-and-innovation-interests</a></p><p>
</p><p>The Animal Sentience Bill currently before Parliament also provides for a new
animal sentience committee to issue reports on how well future central government
policy decisions pay all due regard to the welfare needs of animals.</p>
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