1 ENFORCEMENT OF EUROPEAN, ANIMAL WELFARE RELATED LEGISLATION Brussels, 12 – 13 June 2012

2 FVE is a Federation of 44 veterinary organisations in 38 European countries Through its members, FVE represents over veterinarians

3 FVE’s Mission The European veterinary profession, embodied by FVE, strives to promote animal health, animal welfare and public health across Europe Together with its members, FVE aims to support veterinarians to deliver their professional responsibilities at the best possible level, recognized and valued by the society.

4 Animals Owners / Keepers Society Education / Science Knowledge / Skills Ethics / Attitude Legislation, etc Knowledgeable Objective, Independent Professional v

5 The Horizontal Perspective Communication and Co-operation on the juridical and veterinary level: key element for effective enforcement

6 An enormous step forward would be made if existing animal welfare legislation would be correctly implemented and enforced intentions alone do not guarantee good practices

7 Societal concern Actions, incl. legal action Concern reduced

8 Critical for compliance with legislation 1.Voluntary Base Level of awareness, understanding, and acceptance (encourage, educate, economics) 2.Enforcement Chances to be caught If caught, chances for succesful legal action Seriousness of measures taken

Acceptance Animal welfare legislation Concern raisers FBOs, keepers Difference in perception Various (cultural) backgrounds Easier said than done More distant view Other drivers

10 Part of the solution: Enforcement 1.Quality of the legislation Clarity about what is (not) acceptable 2.Quality and quantity of resources for controls Good governance

11 Quality of the legislation Setting welfare standards Resource based standards Measurable Practical Animal based standards Not easy to assess / Interpretation In general: once measurable, problems already in advanced stage

12 Quality of the legislation Special attention for possible exemptions To accomodate specific, well described situations. Objective of legislation must remain leading principle

13 Communication and Co-operation on the juridical and veterinary level Vets are not laywers and lawyers are not vets ! Legislative process Signaling infringements (feed back) Preparation and follow up juridical action

Animal Authority (legislator / controller) Veterinarian Owner

15 Animals Owners / Keepers Society Education / Science Knowledge / Skills Ethics / Attitude Legislation, etc Knowledgeable Objective, Independent Professional v

16 Thank you for your attention!

17 Further information: Tel (+ 32)