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Regulation

Germany: New regulations propose greater animal welfare in pig farming

By July 7, 2020July 26th, 2020No Comments

Document type: article from pig333

Preview (original in German): The Bundesrat has proposed new regulations for pig farming, including provisions for the housing of sows and pigs. ...] Breeding sows may no longer be housed in gestation pens, but only in groups. Confinement will only be allowed for short periods, i.e. for artificial insemination or medical examinations. For the period from weaning to the next insemination, a floor area of at least 5 square metres per sow must be available in group housing. ...] The ordinance must enter into force on the day following its promulgation in the Federal Law Gazette. For this purpose, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture must fully implement the amendments of the Bundesrat. It is up to the Ministry to decide whether and how quickly this will be done. ...] The Federal Council also points out that this amendment will certainly have an impact on consumer prices: Agriculture is facing investments of more than EUR 1 billion. These investments will have to be financed by higher prices.

Preview: New regulations for pig farming have been proposed by the Bundesrat including provisions for sow and pig housing. Sows in breeding may no longer be housed in gestation crates, but only in groups. Confinement will be allowed only for short periods, i.e. for artificial insemination or medical examinations. [...] For the period after weaning until the next insemination, a floor area of at least 5 square meters per sow must be available in group housing. ...] The ordinance is to enter into force the day after promulgation in the Federal Law Gazette. For this to happen, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture must fully implement the Bundesrat's amendments. Whether and how quickly this happens is decided by the Ministry. The Federal Council also points out that the present amendment will certainly have an impact on consumer prices: Agriculture is facing investments of over one billion euros. This would have to be financed by higher prices.

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