Document type: article published in Vétérinaire33
Author: Vétérinaire33
Preview: The Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) has selected 10 key recommendations for a better animal welfare legislation, to align it with the latest scientific evidence and broaden its scope.
Improve animal welfare at farm level:
The first area of action concerns livestock farms, where the following are recommended:
- cage-free farming systems for laying hens
- more animal welfare friendly farrowing systems and prevent piglet mutilation (tail docking and castration)
- reduce lameness in dairy cattle
- better protect species not yet covered, such as companion animals, donkeys and rabbits
- regular animal welfare and health visits by veterinarians.
Improve animal welfare during transport With regard to transport, the FVE's recommendations are as follows:
- rules on transportation of cats and dogs
- evidence-based journey conditions and phase out of vessel transport to third countries.
Improve animal welfare at the time of killing
With regard to slaughter, the FVE strongly recommends :
- slaughter of stunned animals only
- avoid rearing of unwanted animals [such as male chicks, male kids, male calves].
Improve animal welfare assessment
Last, the FVE makes the following more general recommendation:
- Harmonize EU animal welfare labeling and apply meaningful animal welfare indicators.
