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European Commission response to the results of the EU consultation on the welfare of farmed animals
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The results of an EU-wide internet consultation on the welfare of farm animals are now published, serving to highlight the strong interest and concerns of the public on this subject. |
The survey which was launched on 8 November received over 40,000 responses by its closing date of 20 December. The results show that respondents believe that more should be done to ensure the welfare and protection of farm animals, particularly laying hens, broiler chickens and fur animals for example.
Data was also collected on the sources of information used by citizens on this issue, and there was strong support for better labelling on the animal welfare conditions under which products were obtained.
Respondents overwhelmingly believed that imported food products should be produced under animal welfare conditions at least as high as those applied in Europe, and most were also convinced that higher animal welfare standards could result in better animal health and more ethically acceptable food products.
The Commission is currently preparing a five-year Action Plan on the protection and welfare of animals, which is expected to be published by the end of January 2006. These results along with stakeholder input, research data and the findings of recent Eurobarometer surveys on consumer attitudes will help the Commission in shaping future policy decisions on the protection and welfare of animals.
For full results of the consultation, see: http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/consultations/action_plan_farmed_background_en.htm
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