EU veterinary experts are currently discussing draft EU Council conclusions aimed at improving the welfare of farm animals. The version of this draft (which may evolve according to the discussions in the EU Council), as seen by EUROPE, highlights the need to update legislation, in particular on animal transport and slaughter, pig welfare and animal welfare indicators.
In addition, the draft conclusions, to be discussed by the December ‘Agriculture’ Council of the EU, invite the European Commission to assess the need for new legislation in several areas: cattle aged six months or more, farmed rabbits, pullets, dogs and cats, farmed fish, turkeys, laying hens breeders and broilers.
The text also refers to the importance of improving animal welfare during long-distance transport and calls for more in-depth discussions on the “sustainability” of trade in live animals/meat. The European Parliament had asked to promote a shift, when possible, towards the transportation of meat or carcasses instead of live animals (see EUROPE 12194/13).
In addition, the Commission is invited to assess the need for an EU regulatory framework with criteria on “voluntary or mandatory” animal welfare labelling schemes, taking into account national experiences in the field.
What about circus animals? The NGO Animal Advocacy and Protection (AAP) regrets that the draft conclusions on animal welfare do not propose any action to “protect and possibly ban wild animals in circuses” (see EUROPE 12270/10). The AAP urges Member States to support a European ban on wild animals in circuses. The NGO is currently working on a rescue operation for five tigers being transported from Italy to Russia “under terrible conditions”.
To consult the draft EU Council conclusions on animal welfare: http://bit.ly/34vuiAW (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)