Document type: technical report: published in EFSA supporting publication
Authors: European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Marika Vitali, Giulia Cecchinato, Aitana López Baquero, Beatrice Benedetti, Denise Candiani, Michaela Hempen, Yves Van der Stede, Chiara Fabris
Preview: The Network of National Contact Points for scientific support under Article 20 of Council Regulation (EC) No. 1099/2009 on the protection of animals at the time of killing (scientific NCPs Network) includes nationally appointed representatives of Member States, including EFTA countries. During the annual meeting in 2025, an exercise was performed to gather information from Network members on animal-based measures (ABMs) collected at slaughterhouses to monitor the level of welfare of Equidae in establishments. Prior to the meeting, Network members were requested to submit, via an online questionnaire, information on ABMs currently measured in ante- and post-mortem inspections of Equidae at slaughterhouses in their countries, the availability of a database for the electronic recording of these ABMs, their feasibility, and any automated systems for their assessment. The questionnaire collected information on the species Equus caballus (horses), Equus asinus (donkeys), and their hybrids (mules and hinnies). During the meeting, a structured discussion was held on the information provided, and participants were also asked to vote and score the criteria for the provided ABMs. As a result of this exercise, an initial list of ABMs deemed useful to be collected in slaughterhouses to retrospectively monitor the level of welfare of Equidae in establishments was produced, and related information was collected. The information included in this report will be used for the development of the relevant scientific opinion on the welfare of Equidae, expected to be adopted by the end of 2026.
