Subject: Food

Systematic Literature Review on Donkeys (Equus asinus): Husbandry and Welfare in Europe

Masebo NT, Benedetti B, Angeloni MG, Lee L, Bigi D, Padalino B.

Published in 2025

Review of 97 European studies showing that donkeys are mostly kept in extensive or semi-intensive systems, often with access to the outdoors. Nevertheless, recurrent management, nutritional and health problems (obesity, dental disorders, hoof problems) still compromise their welfare, stressing the need for specific care guidelines based on scientific data.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Equines

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Domestic cat management in the UK: learnings from a global perspective

Jenni L. McDonald, Dave J. Hodgson, Claire Roberts, Lauren Finka, Vicky Halls,Rae Foreman-Worsley

Published in 2025

Review examining the management of feline overpopulation, which requires a holistic and locally specific approach covering domestic cats, cats in shelters and those living in the wild, while taking environmental factors, feline demographic processes and human community dynamics into account.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories: Felines

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Balancing culinary excellence with ethical responsibility: A scientific perspective on animal welfare in gastronomy

Anastasio Argüello, Marta González-Cabrera, Antonio Morales-de la Nuez, Lorenzo E. Hernández-Castellano, Manuel Betancor-Sánchez, Noemí Castro

Published in 2025

Study analyzing animal welfare issues along the full length of the food chain, from breeding and rearing to culinary preparation. It highlights ethical tensions, innovations (lab-grown meat, plant-based alternatives, insects) and regulatory gaps. It proposes a roadmap to integrate animal welfare science into culinary training and promote the sustainable and responsible enjoyment of food.

Document Types: Scientific review

Animal categories:Cattle, Goats, Crustaceans, Sheep, Fish, Pigs, Poultry

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Biology, husbandry systems and farm practices for American mink, red and Arctic foxes, raccoon dog and chinchilla kept for fur production - EFSA

European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), Maria Díez-León, Sabine Dippel, Sandra Edwards, Angela Schwarzer, Denise Candiani, Michaela Hempen, Eliana Lima, Claudia Millán Caravaca, Neil J. Tirchett, Yves Van der Stede, Marika Vitali, Mette S. Herskin

Published in 2025

EFSA technical report updating its 2001 analysis of the welfare of animals bred for their fur (mink, fox, raccoon dog, chinchilla), incorporating recent data on these animals' biology and the production cycles and farming methods used.

Document Types: Technical review

Animal categories: Mammals

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Welfare of beef cattle

EFSA Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW)

Published in 2025

EFSA opinion assessing the risks to beef cattle welfare associated with the environment, rearing practices and mutilation. It proposes concrete recommendations (space, feeding, enrichment, ABM in slaughterhouses). Emphasis is placed on pain prevention, the social stability of animals, and improved stabling conditions and access to the outdoors.

Document Types: Opinions

Animal categories: Bovines

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Decree of June 19, 2025 laying down the animal health and protection rules to be met by activities involving domestic pets

Maud Faipoux

Published in 2025

This Order repeals that of April 3, 2014. It reinforces animal health and protection rules for pet-related activities, providing a clear and detailed regulatory framework for the activities of shelters, breeding establishments, educators and traders, taking into account the particular needs of each individual species. Health rules must now be instituted by all establishments. 

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories:Canine, Feline, Exotic pets, Birds (excluding poultry), Fish, Rodents

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Welfare of American mink, red and Arctic foxes, raccoon dog and chinchilla kept for fur production - EFSA

EFSA Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW)

Published in 2025

Recent scientific opinion from the EFSA, identifying the main welfare risks to animals bred for their fur (mink, foxes, raccoon dogs, chinchillas), which are mainly associated with lives spent in cages without enrichment, resulting in restricted movement, stress and behavioral disorders.

Document Types: Opinions

Animal categories: Mammals

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Review - Restricted access to pasture and inadequate grazing in ruminants and equines

Brunet Valentin, Fusi Francesca, Bernardo Tiziano, Canali Elisabetta, Ruet Alice, Faye Bernard, Aubé Lydiane

Published in 2025

Synthesis from EURCAW Ruminants & Equines on the provision of access to pasture, which encourages the expression of natural behaviors and improves the health and well-being of ruminants and equines, notably through enhanced locomotion, enriched social interactions and good quality feed. However, it is not without some risks (animals can suffer from nutritional deficiencies, thermal stress, and locomotory and health disorders such as parasitism), calling for the appropriate management of resources, the environment and animal health.

Document Types: Technical review

Animal categories:Cattle, Goats, Equines, Sheep, Ruminants

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Establishment of a list of non-domestic animal species that may be kept for companionship and pleasure, and definition of "conservation breeding".

Céline Couderc-Obert (IGEDD), Catherine Lhote (IGEDD), Philippe Steinmetz (CGAAER)

Published in 2025

Methodology report for drawing up a list of non-domestic species authorized to be kept without formalities for companionship or approval, for which the CGAAER and IGEDD were mobilized.

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories:Wildlife, Exotic pets

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Beak trimming of hens: Practices, welfare concerns and alternatives

Harliqueen Jacinto, Marisa Erasmus

Published in 2025

Article outlining alternatives to beak trimming, practiced to limit pecking in laying hens. Environmental enrichment, genetic selection and better management practices are explored.

Document types: Technical Paper

Animal categories: Poultry

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