Discipline: Law

The Science–Policy Interface on Farm Animal Welfare in the EU

Ciska De Ruyver, Frank Tuyttens

Published in 2025

A SCAR study analyzing barriers to knowledge transfer from research to European policy on farm animal welfare. The study makes recommendations for the strengthening of the science-policy interface, particularly in the areas of governance, funding, research, and knowledge transfer.

Document types: Technical Paper

Animal categories: All animals

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Decapod Crustaceans in Animal Welfare Law: Fragmentation, Gaps, and Emerging Models in Europe and Oceania

Lorenzo Fruscella, Diego Antonio Sicuso, Daria Vitale, Annamaria Passantino

Published in 2026

Article highlighting the gap between scientific evidence on the sentience of decapod crustaceans and the limited legal protections they enjoy. The authors advocate for harmonized regulations based on scientific knowledge.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Invertebrates

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Use of Enrichment in Broilers

EURCAW-Poultry-SFA

Published in 2026

Protocole spécifique d’évaluation des enrichissements environnementaux chez les poulets de chair

Document types: Technical Paper

Animal categories: Poultry

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Recent Developments in EU Animal Law. 2025 in Review

The European Institute for Animal Law & Policy

Published in 2026

Review of European Animal Law for 2025: Progress has been made toward banning fur farming, but protections for certain wild species have been rolled back. 2026 is expected to bring new regulatory developments, particularly regarding the welfare of dogs and cats and, potentially, farm animals.

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories: All animals

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Conséquences des procédures douloureuses et stressantes chez les bovins

EURCAW Ruminants & Equines

Published in 2026

Fact sheet providing a detailed examination of painful and stressful procedures commonly performed on cattle (identification marking, dehorning or disbudding, tail docking, castration, and teat removal). It describes the biological context, legal requirements, and key points to check during inspections.

Document types: Technical Paper

Animal categories: Bovines

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Financing the Transition to Cage-Free Farming in the EU

Godfroy, A., Muro, M., Nadeu, E., Wedl, I., Jadzisnka, J.

Published in 2026

Report providing a comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of the financing options for the transition to cage-free livestock farming systems at EU level, drawing on scientific data, an analysis of European policies, national case studies, and interviews with industry experts.

Document Types: Technical review

Animal categories:Cattle, Pigs, Poultry

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Évaluation de l’impact du PSN sur le bien-être animal-rapport final

EY

Published in 2026

Evaluation of the National Strategic Plan (PSN) from the perspective of animal welfare (BEA), covering the years 2023 and 2024—the first two full years of implementation of the CAP National Strategic Plan (PSN). Analysis of the contribution of CAP interventions to animal welfare, as well as their consistency and complementarity with other relevant measures.

Document Types: Technical review

Animal categories: Bovines, Caprines, Equines, Ovines, Porcines, Poultry

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Chiens de race : l’esthétique peut-elle justifier la souffrance ?

Valérie Chansigaud

Published in 2026

Article recounting the history of the selection by breeders of animals with extreme body types and describing the health and welfare issues that result from this.

Document Types: Technical review

Animal categories: Canines, Felines

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Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Section 7: Animal Welfare. Chapter 7.3: Transport of Animals by Land

WOAH

Published in 1982

Code sanitaire de l’OMSA pour les animaux terrestres pour le transport par voie maritime

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories: Cattle, Goats, Horses, Mammals, Sheep, Pigs, Poultry

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Terrestrial Animal Health Code. Section 7: Animal Welfare. Chapter 7.2: Transport of Animals by Sea

WOAH

Published in 1982

Code sanitaire de l’OMSA pour les animaux terrestres pour le transport par voie maritime

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories: Cattle, Goats, Horses, Mammals, Sheep, Pigs, Poultry

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