Brussels, 02/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission is currently preparing new guidelines on the welfare of pigs, based on current legislation, good practices that are currently being implemented and the most recent scientific know-how.
An initial draft is expected to be presented in July at the specialist workgroup on these questions. The draft will include incentives for pig breeders to provide their animals with a stress free environment, in an effort to prevent the bites and injuries pigs cause each other. The Commission is in agreement with animal protection groups and is seeking to encourage breeders to recreate natural conditions, particularly the possibility for animals to be able to dig up the soil in search of food. Once validated, these guidelines will be translated into all the official languages of the EU to help farmers comply with Community law on pig welfare, explained the Commission. (LC/transl.fl)