Subject: Regulations

European Parliament: Written answer to Question E-002603/2025: Finland's derogation for mink fur farming and the ban on fur farming throughout the EU

Question: Maria Ohisalo (Greens/EFA). Answer: Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission

Published in 2025

Answer to a question on a request by Finland for a derogation to continue mink farming despite the addition of mink to the EU list of invasive species and the fact that most Member States have already banned the farming of fur. In its answer, the European Commission states that it will grant any such derogation according to its published criteria and that it intends to follow up on the Fur Free Europe Citizen's Initiative by March 2026. It will conduct an impact assessment before deciding on a possible EU-wide ban.

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories: Mammals

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European Parliament: Written answer to Question E-001998/2025: Animals confined in unspeakable conditions in Malta

Question: Lara Magoni (ECR). Answer: Ms Roswall on behalf of the European Commission

Published in 2025

Answer from the Commission to a question from an MEP on the discovery in Malta of lions and a panther being kept under unfit conditions, revealing serious breaches of the European regulations on animal welfare. In its answer, the Commission states that Member States must apply the Zoos Directive and the EU Wildlife Trade Regulation, and that it is looking into ways to strengthen its legislation to prevent such abuse.

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories:Wildlife, Felines

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European Parliament: Written answer to Question E-002013/2025: Mink farming and the protection of animal welfare

Question: Sigrid Friis (Renew), Maria Noichl (S&D), Petras Auštrevičius (Renew), Günther Sidl (S&D), Tilly Metz (Greens/EFA), Sirpa Pietikäinen (EPP), Maria Zacharia (NI), Anna Strolenberg (Greens/EFA). Answer: Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission

Published in 2025

Answer from the Commission to a question from MEPs on the compatibility of the cage farming of mink with Directive 98/58/EC and the need for Member States to increase their enforcement. The Commission replies that it is looking at the issue in the context of the "Fur Free Europe" European Citizens' Initiative, and will decide by March 2026 whether to propose a ban or introduce appropriate regulatory standards for fur farming, while ensuring proper enforcement by Member States.

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories: Mammals

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European Parliament: Written answer to Question E-001917/2025: Notification by the Netherlands on lowering the maximum temperature for the transport of animals

Question: Claudiu-Richard Târziu (ECR). Answer: Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission

Published in 2025

Parliamentary question on the Dutch notification to lower the maximum temperature for animal transport to 30°C, which could distort the EU's internal market. The Commission recalls that this issue is addressed in the current revision of the Animal Transport Regulation, and asks Member States to avoid divergent national measures, while taking into account the observations of stakeholders.

Document types: Regulation/Certification

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

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European Parliament: Written answer to Question E-001689/25: Animal welfare standards in EU aquaculture to boost competitiveness and food security

question : Niels Fuglsang (S&D), Robert Biedroń (S&D), Thomas Pellerin-Carlin (S&D), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), Krzysztof Śmiszek (S&D), Tilly Metz (Greens/EFA), Marianne Vind (S&D), Sebastian Everding (The Left), Maria Noichl (S&D), Isabella Lövin (Greens/EFA), Günther Sidl (S&D), Per Clausen (The Left), Michal Wiezik (Renew), Alice Kuhnke (Greens/EFA), Pär Holmgren (Greens/EFA), Christel Schaldemose (S&D). Reply: Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission

Published in 2025

Answer from th Commission to questions from a group of MEPs on the inclusion of aquatic animals in the new animal welfare regulations. The Commission states that aquatic animals will not be included in the forthcoming consultations. Instead, its chosen strategy is to improve the application of the existing rules and to make use of the work of EURCAW-Aqua to develop indicators and improve scientific and technical knowledge.

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories:Crustaceans, Molluscs, Fish

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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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Change the world farm by farm: The moral care of audit and the paradox of animal welfare inspection in Europe

Mc Loughlin

Published in 2025

Scientific article noting that European veterinary inspectors face a moral dilemma between official standards and the industrial reality of animal welfare during their inspections. Their power is limited, and they have to arbitrate between compliance, benevolence and systemic constraints.

Document Types: Scientific paper

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

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European Parliament: Written answer to Question E-002054/2025: Fairness in the application of the new European animal welfare rules in the specific context of eastern Europe

Question: Claudiu-Richard Târziu (ECR). Answer: Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission

Published in 2025

Parliamentary question on new EU animal welfare rules that risk penalizing small farms in Eastern Europe. The Commission is planning a proportionate approach that takes account of structural differences, with appropriate financial support. Harmonization is intended to avoid distortions of competitiveness in the single market.

Document types: Regulation/Certification

Animal categories:Cattle, Goats, Equines, Pigs, Poultry

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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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