Health & Consumers Directorate General EU policies on animal welfare: the future EU strategy Andrea Gavinelli Animal Welfare Unit Andrea.Gavinelli@ec.europa.eu

The Treaty on the Functioning of the EU – 1.12.2009 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 requirements of animal welfare, while respecting the legislative or administrative provisions and customs of Member States relating in particular to religious rites, cultural traditions and regional heritage.”

XXI century evolutions in the legislative area 1974 / 1993 / 2009 Stunning and Killing 1977/1995 / 2005 Transport 1986 / 2008* Animal in experiments 1988 / 1999 Laying Hens 1991 / 1997 / 2001 Calves – Pigs welfare at farm 1998 General farm animal protection Directive 1999 Treaty Protocol 2006 Community Action Plan 2007 Ban on trade in cat and dog fur 2007 Council Directive on broiler chickens 2009 Proposal to amend current Directive on the use of animals for scientific purposes 2009 Regulation concerning the trade in seal products 2009 Art 13 Treaty of The European Union 3 3

The objectives of the Animal Welfare Unit of DG Health and Consumers Improve the welfare of animals in Europe and abroad through policy initiatives in particular for farmed animals Act as coordinator and facilitator for EU animal protection initiatives. Prepare EU legislation, to perform studies and to promote research programs and scientific reviews. Raise awareness among stakeholders as well as to develop international cooperation 4

How is it done ? Development of policies and legislative initiatives to maintain high welfare standards; Act as the “Guardian of the Treaty” Support of scientific and socio-economic studies; Promotion of research programs and scientific reviews; Provision of scientifically based information and advice; Development of international cooperation. Trade assistance. 5

The Community Action Plan on the Protection and Welfare of Animals (2006 – 2010) Introducing standardised Animal welfare indicators Education and knowledge transfer for all involved and for the general public Upgrading existing minimum standards for animal protection and welfare Giving a high priority to promoting policy-orientated future research Continue to support and initiate further international initiatives to raise awareness and create a greater consensus on animal welfare

The 2nd EU strategy for AW: Main issues Enforcement Competitiveness of farmers Communication to consumers and stakeholders Science and innovation Scope of EU legislation

Enforcement: outcomes of the evaluation Member States problem but…need EU supervision Lack of awareness and training of parties concerned Conflicts with economic interests Complexity and rigidity of the legislation

Science and innovation: outcome of the evaluation To clarify animals needs To optimise animals needs and economic sustainability To better disseminate results at practical level

Conclusion Evaluation: wide ranging exercise Factual collection of data and opinions Useful recommendations for future actions Scope Instruments (not only legal) Efficiency/consistency/costs

Our ambitions New strategy for 2011: Defining clearly the line on future EU policies Market oriented responding to citizens concerns Fully integrated with other sustainable policies Responding to the international challenges for EU producers

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