Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Welfare EU Legislation Review

The EU is undertaking a comprehensive review of farm animal welfare legislation with significant implications for pig welfare across Europe.

Key Facts

The EU Farm to Fork Strategy committed to revising animal welfare legislation by 2023
Revisions may include tighter standards for farrowing systems, enrichment and stocking density
Industry, welfare NGOs and scientific bodies are all engaging with the consultation process
Higher welfare standards in the EU may create trade disparities with non-EU competitors
Consumer support for higher welfare is consistently measured as high across EU member states

Welfare Considerations

EU welfare legislation revision is one of the most significant regulatory opportunities for pig welfare improvement in decades. The direction of reform will affect millions of pigs across Europe for years. Effective engagement with consultation processes by welfare advocates is critical.

What You Can Do

Engage with EU welfare legislation consultation processes as an interested citizen
Support welfare organisations lobbying for ambitious EU pig welfare legislation reforms
Advocate for trade policy that maintains welfare standards for imports to the revised EU standards