Brussels, 09/11/2001 (Agence Europe) - After a favourable opinion from the Standing Veterinary Committee, the European Commission adopted new welfare standards on Friday for intensive pig farming. From 2003 onwards, Member States will have to ensure that noise levels in pig holdings are kept under 85 decibels; that pigs be kept in light conditions with an intensity of at least 40 lux for at least 8 hours a day; and fresh water must be available at all times.
The Commission has set stricter conditions for castration, tail docking and putting rings in pigs' noses. The most painful castration methods that tear tissue will be banned and it will also be prohibited to mutilate piglets less than a week old. Another improvement is that the weaning age for piglets has been increased to four weeks. Specific conditions for the various categories of pigs are also part of the directive, like the size of boar pens, farrowing conditions for sows and gilts and conditions for weaners and rearing pigs kept in groups. The new measures are incorporated in a directive amending the technical annex of the 1991 Council Directive (see EUROPE of 25 October, p.10).