Farming unions applaud EU Animal Welfare strategy
The National Farmer's Union (NFU) has welcomed calls by the European Commission for the introduction of animal welfare provisions in trade agreements to safeguard the competitiveness of the EU farming industry.
The 'EU Strategy for the Protection and Welfare of Animals 2012-2015', which was published today, also includes proposals to introduce science-based animal welfare indicators, a European network of reference centres and common rules for staff handling animals.
Dawn Howard, speaking from the NFU's offices in Brussels, welcomed the Commissions proposals and highlighted the benefits this would have for British farming.
“Clearly it is madness for UK farmers to have to produce high quality food under high welfare standards for consumers to then pick cheaper imports from third countries with lower welfare standards. If imported food is not produced to our high standards then there must be adequate country of origin labelling to allow the consumer to make an informed choice at the checkout,” she said.
However, the RSPCA's Director of Communications has already argued that the strategy falls short on delivering previously agreed laws which are already overdue. David Bowles said “No reference is made as to how the Commission will overcome the huge challenges to enforce EU wide bans on intensive systems such as the barren battery cage or the upcoming ban on sow stalls. If the EU really wants to make a difference to animal welfare in the EU in the next five years it needs a strategy that deals with all animals, and ensures laws are effective and not just pieces of paper.”
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
