Farm Animals

Farmed Duck Welfare Progress Europe

Progress in European duck welfare standards and ongoing gaps in legal protection for farmed ducks.

Key Facts

EU has no species-specific welfare legislation for farmed ducks
Several EU countries have developed national duck welfare guidelines voluntarily
Consumer campaigns have driven some retailer commitments to water access requirements
Science on duck water access needs has advanced substantially in recent years
Post-Brexit UK retains EU welfare standards but has opportunity for independent improvements

Welfare Considerations

European duck welfare progress has been driven by consumer campaigns and voluntary retailer commitments rather than legislation. The absence of species-specific regulation means that welfare depends on market pressure, which is insufficient for the majority of production. Legislative change is needed.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for EU duck welfare legislation that includes water access requirements
Advocate for UK-specific duck welfare standards that go beyond retained EU law
Choose duck products only from certified farms with water access requirements