Species : Multiple species

Results of a CGAAER survey in 11 Member States and 5 third countries on their position on animal welfare (AW), covering topics such as an end to cage farming, painful practices, animal welfare labelling, transport and slaughter, competition from third countries with less strict AW standards, the fight against the abandonment of domestic carnivores, and rules specific to Equidae. Its purpose is to assist the French Ministry of Agriculture and Food in developing the new French animal welfare strategy.

Dossier setting out the current state of animal welfare in France, discussing the recent law on animal abuse, changes in regulatory and legal measures for animal protection in France and the European Union over time, current key issues, and how the perception of the relationship between humans and animals has changed in French society.

Presentation of the results of an AHDB survey, demonstrating that animal welfare is a growing concern for British consumers. However, the latter are not prepared to pay more for their meat because they overestimate the quality of welfare conditions on British farms,. They are nevertheless increasingly aware of the health problems associated with farming practices.

The 4th annual Ifop poll for 30 millions d'amis shows that the French public believes that the government measures on animal welfare set out in the law against animal suffering lack ambition, and that politicians do not pay sufficient attention to this issue. It shows strong support for bans on any situation likely to cause animal suffering, and for measures to be taken to reduce stress in livestock at slaughter. 

Scientific review of the impact of enrichment research on zoo and aquarium practices. It reveals that zoo and aquarium professionals are paying heed to species-specific welfare needs by ensuring that enrichment protocols are supported by biological evidence. It goes on to highlight areas and species that need further research.

Scientific review of the idea that training can be considered to be a behavioural enrichment for animals. This view is based on 3 propositions: that training facilitates the use of enrichments; that it modifies social interactions and that it broadens behavioural repertoires.

Technical Instruction specifying changes to the procedures associated with the official monitoring of animal protection in the abattoir at the time of slaughter in France

Article identifying trends in French society towards pets in the coming years. These include an increased focus on food quality and an increase in the average pet budget, and the development of pet insurance. The article predicts an increase in the number of cats and other non-canine pet species, and changes in the legal status of animals that will raise them above simple companion animals. 

Technical instruction listing existing training that is now recognised as being of an acceptable standard to qualify animal welfare advisors in pig and poultry farming, being part of the framework for the implementation of the French ministerial decree on such training.

Conclusions of the report of the Committee of Inquiry into the protection of animals during transport. Its recommendations include reductions in journey times, better protection of young animals and pregnant females, conditions placed on the export of live animals to third countries, and better information for consumers. It stresses the need to improve and supplement existing EU legislation.