There is varying understanding about life for farm animals. The majority of farm animals have gone from the land, only to be caged, crammed and confined behind the closed doors of the factory farm — battery hens sentenced to remain for life in wire cages, broiler chickens reared in overcrowded conditions and pigs tethered and confined in narrow stalls or in equally narrow farrowing crates. Other farm animals are sent abroad to the cruel veal crate system of continental Europe or to abattoirs where welfare standards, both during transportation and at the time of slaughter, are often appallingly low. Many of the animals slaughtered in Britain, or for the live export trade, are processed through live auction markets. A recent investigation revealed many instances of infringements of the regulations governing the treatment and welfare of animals at markets. The controversy over BSE and the cloning and genetic engineering of farm animals have all resulted in close scrutiny and inquisitions by the public into the conditions in which our farm animals are reared, treated and slaughtered. Those involved in the food industry and also those who care about the welfare of animals and recognize their sentiency must take action to ensure that the animals are reared with due thought to their behavioural needs and well being and, when the time comes, granted a quiet and humane death. For far too long in food production programmes farm animals have paid a heavy price in suffering. From birth to death, farm animals must be treated humanely and with respect.