On 30 June, the EU Platform on Animal Welfare held its meeting, attended by the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe. Revising the EU animal welfare legislation, cage-free housing for pigs and global cooperation were at the top of the agenda.
Public consultation until 16 July
The Commission confirmed that 2025 will be a consultation year, with a focus on cage-free farming. It has launched a public consultation on the revision of the legislation on farm animal welfare. The consultation is open until 16 July, with initial legislative proposals are expected by end 2026.
Phasing out cages for livestock
The consultation follows the Commission’s commitment to gradually phase out cages for animals, as called for by the European Citizen’s Initiative ‘End the Cage Age’. Apart from a ban on cages for poultry, pigs, calves and rabbits, proposed measures also include an end to male chick culling and reciprocal requirements for imported products.
At least 6.5 square metres per sow
Recent research shows that successful free farrowing systems require at least 6.5 m² per sow, enrichment for nest-building, careful genetic selection and temporary crating if needed. This aligns with the FVE position paper on the topic, FVE executive director Nancy De Briyne noted.
'Vaccination instead of mass culling'
During the panel discussion, Ms De Briyne called for an EU action plan to encourage vaccination when possible to try to reduce the mass culling of animals during disease outbreaks, and advocated for better use of available vaccines. ‘Culling is not just about numbers,’ she said. ‘It reflects huge animal welfare losses and undermines food security and public trust.’
(Photo Chelsey Marques/Unsplash)