Keywords: Societal issues

Answer to a question concerning the information available to the European Commission on the abuse of working equids in Member States, particularly in Greece, and its intentions to increase measures to combat equid abuse. 

Answer to a question on whether the European Commission intends to propose specific regulations on the welfare of companion animals, what measures already exist on this subject, and whether it has any information concerning the financial resources allocated to the construction and maintenance of shelters.

Answer to a question on the intentions of the French Ministry of Agriculture concerning the reinforcement of animal welfare guarantees in the specifications for livestock farms operating under the SIQO (signs of origin and quality) scheme. 

Synthesis of the outputs of a working group of the French Academy of Agriculture. It underlines that Western societies are seeking a balance between animal welfare and the economic uses of animals. Various legal scenarios have been explored, three of which appear compatible with livestock farming needs while recognizing animal sentience. It stresses the importance of raising public awareness of the implications of these legal developments and emphasizes the duties of human beings towards animals.

Answer to a question on the European Commission's intentions regarding the participation of children under the age of 18 in bullfights, either as bullfighters or as spectators.

Scientific review identifying egg storage, in ovo nutrition and the slaughter of 1-day-old male chicks as the main welfare problems in hatcheries, and describing practical avenues for improvements that can meet societal expectations.

Answer to a question on how the European Commission plans to tackle the illegal pet trade, including the creation of a European task force to combat the illegal cross-border trade in animals.

Scientific review setting out the history of the scientific study of animal welfare, and proposing that scientists in this field should specify the definition of animal welfare on which they base their work, the level at which their  assessment is carried out, the assumptions they rely on to measure welfare, and the period on which they focus, in order to enable comparison between studies.

Answer to a question on whether the European Commission has assessed the feasibility of requiring microchip identification for dogs and cats from commercial breeders,  and of setting up an official database for compulsory identification and registration before they leave the breeding establishments.

Scientific article using modelling to assess production losses due to heat stress in two different greenhouse gas emission scenarios. Depending on emission levels, economic losses vary between 9.8% and 3 to 7% of the value of beef and milk production worldwide in 2005. These results underline the importance of putting adaptation measures place in to combat heat stress if we are to ensure global food security.