2024-05-02 07:48:26
Include all factors that might harm animal welfare
Factors that can impact an animal’s well-being during each stage of its life were identified by the experts: genetic characteristics, breeding techniques, practices and training of the breeder, accommodation, feeding, approaches implemented to ensuring the good health of animals, limiting the use of painful practices, reproduction, transport and slaughter. For each, the working group proposed a evaluation protocol based on scientific criteria, associated with measurable indicators, as well as ways to improve animal welfare. For example, for food, the criteria proposed are both that the animal has food that is easily accessible and adapted to its species and age, but also that it can satisfy its behavioral needs linked to the activity. food, such as grazing for ruminants, burrowing for pigs or even pecking and scratching for poultry.
A repository to be built by the different players in the field
« The work that has been carried out is primarily aimed at French and European scientists and stakeholders who plan to build an animal welfare labeling framework, explains Florence Etoré, head of the unit in charge of assessing risks linked to animal welfare and health. This framework must be applied for each sector or category of animals targeted, and co-constructed with the various players in the field : livestock professionals, animal protection associations and scientists. »
This repository must also be accessible et transparent, in order to allow consumers to be informed regarding the indicators taken into account to assess animal welfare and obtain an overall score. Finally, the experts emphasize that the cost linked to improving animal welfare and its evaluation should be borne by all the stakeholders concerned, given the ethical issues and the growing demand from society for better consideration of animal welfare.
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