Societal and European concerns about animal welfare

Today : Animal Welfare is an important societal issue

Recent polls show that 80% (8 out of 10) of EU citizens rank animal welfare as a great concern.

62% declare they would change shopping habits in order to access more animal welfare friendly products.

(But less than 15% are actually doing it!)

NoteBrief historical date of animal welfare in EU

Some historical facts :

  • 1965 : Brambell Report (Prof. Roger Brambell): Five Freedoms

  • 1992 : Document of Maastricht:

The conference asks the European Parliament, the Council and the Commission as well as the member states to safeguard the welfare of animals whenever legal regulations are worked out for agriculture, traffic (transport) affairs, the common market or scientific research.

  • 1999 : Treaty of Amsterdam :

The high contracting parties, desiring to ensure improved protection and respect for the welfare of animals as sentient beings, have agreed upon the following provision which shall be annexed to the Treaty establishing the European Community (Protocol on protection and welfare 1.5.99).

The Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe signed on 29 October 2004 by the Heads of State or Government of the 25 Member States and the 3 candidate countries also retains the commitment to ensuring the protection of animals.

  • 2004 : EuroFAWC a pan European discussion platform for animal welfare was founded

  • 2004 October 29: Animal Welfare was included in the Constitution for Europe

In formulating and implementing the Union's agriculture, fisheries, transport, internal market, research and technological development and space policies, the Union and the Member States shall, since animals are sentient beings pay full regard to the requirements of animal welfare, while respecting the legislative or administrative provisions of Member States relating in particular to religious rites, cultural traditions and regional heritage.

Article III - 121 (Official Journal of the European Union (C 310/56) of 16.12.2004)

The European Union & Animal Welfare Legislation

Find below reference to legislation :

  • Calves

Council Directive 2008/119/ECof 18 December 2008, Official Journal L 010, 15/01/2009 P. 0007 - 0013 laying down minimum standards for the protection of calves (codified version)

  • Pigs

Council Directive 91/630/EEC of 19 November 1991 laying down minimum standards for the protection of pigs Official Journal L 340, 11/12/1991 p. 0033 - 0038

  • Laying Hens

Council Directive 1999/74/EC of 19 July 1999 laying down minimum standards for the protection of laying hens Official Journal L 203, 03/08/1999 p. 0053 - 0057

  • Chickens kept for meat production

Council Directive 2007/43 of 28 June 2007 laying down minimum rules for the protection of chickens kept for meat production (OJ L 182, 12.7.2007 p. 0019-0028)

  • Protection at time of slaughter and killing

Council Directive 93/119/EC of 22 December 1993 on the protection of animals at the time of slaughter or killing Official Journal L 340 , 31/12/1993 p. 0021 - 0034

Commission COM 2008/553 of 18 September 2008 for a Council Regulation the protection of animals at the time of killing

  • Protection during transport

Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 of 22 December 2004 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations and amending Directives 64/432/EEC and 93/119/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1255/97

ExampleHousing and transport of broilers

Housing and transport of broilers

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ReminderTo conclude

  • Animal welfare concerns developed during the last 50 years in order to stop cruelty against animals.

  • There are European recommendations (council of Europe).

  • Many countries in Europe enforce animal welfare laws. The EU regulations must be enforced in all member states.

How can we apply this knowledge and reduce welfare/health problems?

  • Limit size of production units ? - reduce production?

  • Go fully to ecological and free-range production ? -costs & efficiency?

  • Use animal based measures/indicators in practice using PLF

And see here to learn about welfare assessment

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