The end of confinement for laying hens and better welfare for chickens raised for meat, as well as pigs, are finally within reach, as the European Commission (EC) revealed its long-awaited EU Livestock Strategy, with a strong political commitment to reveal legislative proposals by the end of this year.

Eurogroup for Animals welcomes this news, following years of advocacy for concrete legislative plans that truly protect the billions of animals farmed for food each year. It does however call on the EC to leave no species behind and to respect citizens’ demands to ban cages for ALL species.

Animal protection organisations applaud the EC’s plan to end the cruel practice of male chick culling once and for all. The EC is also taking a strong stance on the need for imported animal products to respect the same requirements as the EU – while it commits to offer better access to funding for EU producers. These funds must be conditional on genuine animal welfare improvements.

A plan to address live animal exports is positive news, and should drive forward a longer-term plan to transition to a shorter supply chain, by shifting to meat and carcass trade, an alternative that is not only more ethical but comes at less costs.

While the EU Livestock Strategy is mostly positive in terms of improving animal welfare, it shows no indication to move towards extensive farming that prioritises higher environmental and welfare standards over number of animals. It falls short on addressing animal farming as part of a broader food system change that needs to happen, and that should not purely be based on economic returns.

“EU citizens truly showed up to speak up against animals kept in cages for all, or most of their life. We are now seeing the first real plan by the EC to truly listen to what matters to citizens. This is good news. However, we want more concrete plans for the other sentient beings awaiting more protection, including all animals in cages and meat chickens, commented Reineke Hameleers, CEO, Eurogroup for Animals.

Eurogroup for Animals represents over one hundred animal protection organisations in almost all EU Member States, the UK, Switzerland, Serbia, Norway, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Brazil, Canada, India, Kenya, South Africa, Thailand, Turkiye, Ukraine, United States, Venezuela and Australia. Since its foundation in 1980, the organisation has succeeded in encouraging the EU to adopt higher legal standards for animal protection. Eurogroup for Animals reflects public opinion through its members and has both the scientific and technical expertise to provide authoritative advice on issues relating to animal protection. Eurogroup for Animals is a founding member of the World Federation for Animals which unites the animal protection movement at the global level.

INDEPENDENT NEWS IS IMPORTANT.

Enjoy reading Eco Voice? Please help us by purchasing a GIFT Voucher or send one to a friend and encourage people to purchase trees or seeds via The Native Shop – www.nativeshop.com.au

Plants, seeds & more delivered to your door!