Published 19/11/2014

Peter Stevenson, our Chief Policy Advisor, has authored a study on the animal welfare legislation of the EU and six non-EU countries, on behalf of the Food and agriculture organisation of the United Nations.

Commissioned by the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the UN) and EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development), the study examines current legislation, and in doing so, demonstrates that the EU provides the most comprehensive body of legislation concerning animal welfare.

The exciting news is that the welfare of farm animals is a growing concern, all over the world. The news that Thailand has had a draft bill for animal cruelty prevention passed, proves that animal welfare is on the up across the globe.

Farm animal welfare is relevant to everyone: to the animals involved, to consumers – to know that the quality of the animals’ lives are sound and to ensure the quality and safety of food products that they are eating.

Peter states: “Animal welfare is a ‘tool’ that can potentially generate benefits to not only the animals, but producers as well. We need to support developing countries in upping their good welfare practices that lead to benefits for both people and animals.”

Ultimately, the demand for improvements in animal welfare practices has been growing in recent years. Yes, in the EU, but further afield as well. Consumers and society at large are showing greater concern about the conditions in which farm animals are reared, transported and slaughtered for food. And this is something to be celebrated.