Existing animal welfare legislation is outdated and does not reflect the latest scientific developments. It lacks efficiency and clarity, which leads to discrepancies in its application, and creates a competitive disadvantage for producers in certain Member States. Moreover, most animals are not covered by species-specific legislation. Parliament has repeatedly called for legislation to be changed, and recently asked for a revision of the Protection of Animals during Transport Regulation and the Broiler Directive. Eurobarometer surveys, the Commission’s consultation on the future of Europe, and the successful European Citizens’ Initiative entitled ‘End the Cage Age’ showed that citizens want more action on animal welfare. Moreover, animal welfare is closely connected to the development of a sustainable and circular food system, since industrial farming significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, soil and water pollution, the degradation of ecosystems, and the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. However, no legislative proposal on animal welfare was put forward during the last parliamentary term.
We would welcome answers from the Commission to the following:
1 Given President von der Leyen’s commitment to respond to Parliament’s calls for legislation by submitting draft proposals, does the Commission intend to present legislative proposals on animal welfare during this parliamentary term?
2 Will animal welfare be fully integrated in the Green New Deal, the Farm-to-Fork Strategy, and the Biodiversity Strategy?
3 Will the Commission increase the financial and human resources allocated to animal welfare?
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