Regulating Animal Welfare in the EU.the EU. Andrea Gavinelli Unit G3 Animal Welfare Directorate General 1
Animal Welfare 1. An expanding policy area. 2. An issue of high public concern and political relevance. 3. Established link between animal welfare, animal health and food safety.
Animal Welfare ( ) means how an animal is coping with the conditions in which it lives. An animal is in a good state of welfare if (as indicated by scientific evidence) it is healthy, comfortable, well nourished, safe, able to express innate behaviour, and if it is not suffering from unpleasant states such as pain, fear, and distress. Good animal welfare requires disease prevention and veterinary treatment, appropriate shelter, management, nutrition, humane handling and humane slaughter/killing. Animal welfare refers to the state of the animal; the treatment that an animal receives is covered by other terms such as animal care, animal husbandry, and humane treatment.( ) (World Animal Health definition, adopted by 172 members, May 2008) 3
Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) Article 13 In formulating and implementing the Union's agriculture, fisheries, transport, internal market, research and technological development and space policies, the Union and the Member States shall, since animals are sentient beings, pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals, while respecting the legislative or administrative provisions and customs of the Member States relating in particular to religious rites, cultural traditions and regional heritage 4
EU scope on animal welfare Farm animals: Yes Experimental animals: Yes Wild animals: Occasionnally (zoo, trapping, seals) Companion animals: No* The EU do not intervene Religious rite: derogation of stunning Cultural traditions: bull-fighting 5
1973 UK Joins EU 1974 1st AW EU Legislation 1986 BSE Identified 1993 Single Market 1999 EC Protocol 1998 Food & Veterinary Office 2000 White Paper on Food Safety 2002 EFSA 2009 Lisbon Treaty 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 Stunning & Killing Transport Laying Hens Pigs & Calves on farm General Directive Action Plan Broilers Animal Welfare Strategy
The Role of EFSA* in Animal Welfare Contributing to the development of standards for animal welfare Animal welfare risk assessment methods in a global context Raising awareness and improving understanding of animal welfare Promoting outcome-based indicators for animal welfare Operating with all European actors of animal welfare * http://www.efsa.europa.eu/
Research: WELFARE QUALITY www.welfarequality.net 07/04/12 Main Goals: Develop new AW tools Refine existing AW tools AW indicators
Animal Welfare during transport Regulation (EC) No. 1/ 2005. 1. Fitness of animals 2. Vehicle quality 3. Transporter authorisation 4. Training & Competence 5. Transport documentation 6. Official controls 7. Journey logs 8. Navigation systems 9. Assembly centres 10.Control posts 11.Emergency measures 12.Guidelines
Animal Welfare during killing Regulation (EC) No. 1099/ 2009. 1. Responsibility of BO 2. Layout, design and construction 3. SOP Handling and restraint Stunning procedures Monitoring Animal Welfare Officer 4. Certificates of Competence 5. Equipment maintenance 6. Equipment manufacturer's instructions 7. Guides to Good Practice 8. Third countries
Broiler Welfare Council Directive 2007/43/EC 1. Requirements for on-farm conditions & management 2. Prohibition of surgical interventions 3. Sets maximum stocking densities 33kg/m 2 39kg/m 2 if stricter standards are met 42kg/m 2 - possible 4. Training of personnel 5. Guides to good practice 6. Monitoring of welfare indicators Mortality rates Contact dermatitis Parasitism / systemic illness
Welfare of pigs Council Directive 2008/120/EC 1. Ban the use of individual stalls and tethers for sows 2. Quality of the flooring surfaces 3. Increased space allowances 4. Permanent access to materials for rooting 5. Higher level of training and competence 6. Minimum weaning age, permanent access to fresh H 2 O 7. Restrictions to carry out mutilations e.g. tail docking
Welfare of laying hens Council Directive 1999/74/EC 1. Provisions for Barn Free range 2. Enriched cages Space & Height requirements Nest Litter Perches Feed and drinking systems Claw shortening devices Aisle width for inspection
Welfare of calves Council Directive 2008/119/EC 1. Prohibits the use of confined individual pens for calves > 8 weeks 2. Minimum space requirements for pens 3. Prohibits routine tethering 4. Fed according to physiological needs Fibrous rations Iron content
FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS Background and a new trend Holistic approach to sustainability and innovation Changing values for the animals in the European society New scientific knowledge: AW indicators Market drivers Integration of AW with sustainable agenda Configuring new roles and relations between producers and society 18
7. Animal based indicators 8. Not all animals are protected 1. Simplification 6. Reference centres Animal Welfare Strategy 2012-15. 2. Enforcement 5. Knowledge, awareness & research 4. Consumer information 3. Harmonisation
Welfare Label Welfare Indicators Welfare Certification Bilateral agreements
OIE standards 1. Technical platform where specifications are outlined. 2. Powerful tool to establish globally acceptable animal welfare standards. 3. The requirements of Regulation (EC) No. 1099 / 2009 builds on some elements of the standards e.g. the prohibition of: Electro-immobilisation Hoisting conscious animals 4. Standards formulate a framework for discussions and trade agreements.
Bilateral activities 1. Case study: Chile (2005) 2. First Free Trade Agreement with the aim of reaching a common understanding concerning animal welfare 3. Emergence of a regulatory system within SAG 1 AW Unit established 4 Regulations developed OIE collaborating centre Scientific networking 4. Improved livestock welfare 2013 MoU Brazil 1 Servicio Agricola y Ganadero
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