Strasbourg, 16/02/2006 (Agence Europe) - On 14 February, the European Parliament adopted the report by Thijs Berman (PES, Netherlands), thereby modifying the proposal on minimum protection rules for chickens kept for meat in order to set time limits on derogations granted on stocking density, banning certain cruel practices against the animals and setting up uniform European labelling system for chickens kept for meat. Parliament took up the main amendments of its agriculture committee (see EUROPE 9127).
Stocking density: as provided for in the European Commission's original proposal, Member States are responsible for ensuring that stocking densities are limited to 30kg/m2. However, Member States may authorise up to a maximum of 38 kg/m2 if a number of additional animal welfare criteria are met. The EP introduced a time limit on this derogation so that stocking density does not exceed 34 kg/m2 from 1st January 2013. Other amendments introduced by the Parliament will require additional conditions on ventilation and temperature to be met.
Ventilation, heating, light: the EP amended the original measures to strengthen some requirements from producers. All holdings should be equipped with ventilation, heating and cooling systems, so that NH3 levels do not go above 20 ppm and the level of CO2 does not exceed 3000 ppm, based on measurements taken at the head height of the chickens. Ventilation should be sufficient to prevent overheating. The inside temperature should be a maximum of 3 degrees higher than the outside temperature, when this exceeds 30 degrees in the shade. Inside humidity should not be above 70% when outside temperatures are below 10 degrees. Holdings must all be equipped with non-flickering light of at least 50 lux intensity on a 24-hour rhythm (compared with lighting of 20 lux in the initial proposal). Other measures are provided for (regular feeding times, permanent access to water, minimal noise, dry litter). The EP removed provisions allowing Member States to carry out certain surgical operations such as beak trimming and castration of males.
Labelling: within a maximum of six months from the date of adoption of the Directive (compared with two years in the original proposal) the Commission will present a report on the possible introduction, at Community level, of a specific, obligatory and harmonised labelling regime for chicken meat and chicken-based products, based on observance of animal welfare standards and including clear information on production standards and the origin of the product. The label should also mention stocking density and the age of the animal.
Enforcement: the competent authorities should carry out “unannounced spot checks” at least once a year in order to check that animal welfare standards are being adhered to. The cost of the inspections is to be borne by the competent authorities themselves. The authorities can order a reduction in stocking density to remedy any deficiencies.
Sanctions: the EP came out in favour of “harmonised sanctions” among Member States, in the event of infringement of measures set out in the Directive. The EP also introduced measures to check and, if necessary, ban chicken imports from third countries and from holdings which failed to respect rules comparable with those in the EU.
Influence of genetic parameters: four years at the most from the date of adoption of the Directive, the Commission will submit a report on the influence of genetic parameters on deficiencies identified and on the loss of genetic diversity in chicken rearing. This report will be accompanied by legislative proposals which must respect the principle according to which genetic selection must not limit, diminish or threaten the potential welfare of the animals.