Voluntary moves could pre-empt welfare laws
Voluntary moves could pre-empt welfare laws
DELAYS in introducing EU welfare legislation have been blamed for the introduction of laws in the UK, such as a ban on stalls and tethers, ahead of the EU.
Chris Ryder, MAFFs head of animal welfare division, said welfare groups felt compelled to pursue Private Members Bills to force welfare legislation through ahead of EU Commission recommendations because of the slow progress in Brussels.
Already a review of an EU Directive which covers pig welfare is long overdue, leaving producers at the whim of welfare groups and inexperienced politicians. "Voluntary action by producers could ease pressure to legislate," said Mr Ryder.
As part of the latest EU welfare review, the State Veterinary Service is to submit a report to the Commission on welfare issues. This outlines the case for removal of stall and tethers; alternatives to farrowing crates, but not a ban; improvements to slatted floors; a need for earth or straw for rooting; ways to cut tail-biting; and standard weaning age of 28 days, although 21 days would be acceptable.
Self-regulation on tail docking to cut incidences of tail-biting was one area where producer action might stem pressure from welfarists, said Mr Ryder. To bring the message home, he said: "Ministry vets have found about 88% of piglets are tail-docked when it is banned as a routine procedure."
Producers could also expect reviews of several other orders and directives on welfare, he added. Those included review of welfare in transport, including staging points on long-distance journeys, and welfare at the point of slaughter.