Press Release: Commission proposes improvements in welfare conditions of pigs

On 16.1.01, the European Commission adopted a report on intensive pig farming and a proposal amending EU legislation on the protection of pigs to improve welfare conditions. The proposal prohibits the confinement of pigs during most of their pregnancy to individual stalls which severely restrict their freedom of movement. It also sets out rules to improve the living environment of pigs and piglets in general, setting requirements for living spaces, floor surfaces, and proper feeding systems. New requirements for training of pig handlers are also introduced. In addition the Commission is proposing tougher regulations of noise and light levels, access to food and materials for rooting, timing of weaning of piglets, flooring surfaces, and the prohibition the worst types of routine mutilations. These plans should remedy the main problems found in intensive pig farming, revealed by the Commission's report that is based on a thorough analysis from its Scientific Committee for Animal Health and Animal Welfare (SCAHAW).

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