The statutory provisions relating to the welfare of animals on the farm are somewhat complex and are scattered throughout a large number of Acts and Regulations/Orders. They may not therefore be easily understood and followed by the average farmer or stock keeper. The Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) is to be congratulated on producing a much needed, short, clear summary of the main points covered in the various pieces of legislation. The summary of the law relating to certain routine surgical operations eg castration is particularly well done. Details of who may carry out which operation, on which particular species and age range of animals, and under what anaesthetic regime (if any) is clearly laid out in a series of seven detailed species-orientated tables.