Attention to the way we treat animals has increased over the years and is now enshrined in Article 13 of the Lisbon Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. It recognises animals as “sentient beings” and urges policy makers to “pay full regard to the requirements of animal welfare”. This Treaty obligation makes a clear call to the EU to develop its animal welfare policy in more detail.
The Treaty article reflects the concern for animal welfare in society illustrated by the results of two Eurobarometer surveys carried out in 2005 and 2007 which revealed that the vast majority of respondents (77% in 2007) believe there is a need for further improvements to be made in their country.
The first Community Action Plan on the protection and welfare of animals which ended in 2010 provided greater clarity, and increased understanding and acceptance of the animal welfare policy. However it was more a listing of deliverables and not a real strategy with clear aims, complementary tools and consistency across all other EU policies.
A European Parliament report adopted in 2010 and a European Commission evaluation study showed that progress was made but that more needed to be done to improve animal welfare in the EU.
In January 2012, the European Commission adopted its strategy for the Welfare and Protection of Animals 2012-2015.
The strategy is based on 2 pillars:
• A new framework law for animal welfare which will consider the use of animal welfare indicators to clarify and simplify legislation and provide flexibility for operators. This law will also provide for the setting up of a Network of animal welfare centres
• The use of existing tools such as better enforcement, training, education and information, international promotion of animal welfare, better integration of animal welfare in the Common Agriculture Policy.
The European Parliament is preparing a report (Rapporteur Marit Paulsen) and the Danish Presidency is planning to adopt Council conclusions in June 2012.
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Written questions:
Scope of the EU’s animal welfare strategy and future legislative framework for animal welfare by Keith Taylor (Verts/ALE)
