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In 1998,
Council
Directive 98/58/EC on the protection of
animals kept for farming purposes gave general
rules for the protection of animals of all
species kept for the production of food, wool,
skin or fur or for other farming purposes,
including fish, reptiles or amphibians. These
rules are based on the
European
Convention for the Protection of Animals kept
for Farming Purposes. They reflect the
so-called 'Five Freedoms' as adopted by the
Farm Animal Welfare Council:
- Freedom from hunger
and thirst - access to fresh water and a diet
for full health and vigour,
- Freedom from
discomfort - an appropriate environment with
shelter and comfortable rest area,
- Freedom from pain,
injury and disease - prevention or rapid
treatment,
- Freedom to express
normal behaviour - adequate space and
facilities, company of the animal's own
kind,
- Freedom from fear
and distress - conditions and treatment which
avoid mental sufferings.
Community legislation
concerning the welfare conditions of farm
animals lays down minimum standards. National
governments may adopt more stringent rules
provided they are compatible with the
provisions of the Treaty.
Specific rules
continue to apply to :
Communication
from the Commission to the Council and the
European Parliament on Animal Welfare
Legislation on farmed animals in Third
Countries and the Implications for the EU, 18
November 2002
 (+/-200KB)
Overview
of results of a series of missions to evaluate
controls of animal welfare on farms in seven
Member States carried out between June 2001 and
June 2002
(213KB)
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