A European Commission audit, carried out in Spain between 22 September and 6 October 2025 and published on 31 March this year, highlights significant progress in the monitoring of animal welfare at slaughter, while also pointing out persistent shortcomings regarding penalties and the prevention of animal suffering.
Spanish authorities have stepped up their cooperation and introduced compulsory video surveillance in slaughterhouses, a measure praised for its positive impact. However, structural deficiencies in two poultry slaughterhouses and sanction procedures deemed too slow were noted, issues that sometimes prolong animal suffering. The report stresses that while official inspections successfully detect the majority of non-compliance issues, their overall effectiveness remains limited by sanctions that lack sufficient deterrent force. Reluctant operators continue to commit repeated offences, particularly when slaughtering without stunning.
The Commission recommends that Spain strengthen penalties and ensure stricter monitoring to prevent repeat offences. Despite the progress observed since 2014, available data remain insufficient to confirm any actual improvement in the welfare of broiler chickens or a reduction in the transport of animals unfit for travel.
Link to the report: https://aeur.eu/f/lg3 (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)