Animal category: Poultry

Report on the uses to which funding from the EAFRD (European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development) is put by certain French Regional authorities. The study, which focuses on capital and set-up grants, highlights the levers available regionally to support the transition to more sustainable forms of livestock farming that respect animal welfare.

Article analyzing how abattoir workers develop an emotional distance from the killing of animals through intense and often unconscious emotional work. It highlights the importance of background emotions in morally sensitive occupations, making an original contribution to the sociology of work and emotions.

Question from a Member of Parliament on support for farmers to achieve an effective  transition to cage-free farming in France. The government points out that cage-free farming is growing in France. It provides supporte for this process through assistance with capital expenditure and national coordination, while calling for harmonization at European level so that farms can remain competitive.  

European Parliament study assessing the implementation of Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 on animal transport, revealing  continued compliance problems, particularly for vulnerable animals. It recommends that regulatory definitions should be clarified, while inspections and data recording should be harmonised to improve the effectiveness of the legislation.

European parliamentary question on the need for flexibility and practical solutions in responding to the the requirement for young organic poultry to be given access to outdoor areas, so that animal welfare needs and structural or health constraints can be reconciled. The Commission reminds the deputy that Regulation (EU) 2018/848 provides for continuous outdoor access for at least one-third of a bird's life, sets minimum surface areas for modular areas and provides for transitional periods in which to adapt facilities.

Article examining the ethical and regulatory issues surrounding the use of genome-editing technologies in animal breeding, compared with traditional selection methods. It highlights inconsistencies in the current European framework and calls for animal welfare regulation for all selection methods. 

Audit report carried out by the AES in January 2025 in Norway, revealing some progress for the welfare of laying hens, but a continued lack of official controls for broilers. The AES points out that, despite some remedial actions, Norway has yet to fully integrate these measures into its on-site compliance inspections.

Article on environmental enrichment in captive animals. Conditions in captivity restrict the satisfaction of animals' physiological and ethological needs. Lack of stimulation and stressful practices can be detrimental to their welfare and affect the quality of scientific research carried out on these animals.

Study of environmental enrichment preferences in broiler broodstock reared commercially. The results show a clear preference for platform perches and interest in hanging observation balls. Additional dust baths proved of little use under well-maintained litter conditions.

Veterinary thesis report setting out to design a practical guide to assist veterinarians during emergency slaughter. A need for training was identified among students and practitioners. The guide pulls together the regulatory, technical and economic information required for effective intervention in the field.