Press Release: David Byrne announces improvements in welfare conditions of pigs

“The conditions in which pigs are reared must be improved to reflect the need for higher levels of animal welfare”, stated David Byrne, following a meeting with the Eurogroup for Animal Welfare. Announcing proposals to be presented to the Commission shortly, Mr Byrne said that he would be putting forward important improvements in the conditions in which pigs are being reared. At the meeting the Commissioner responsible for Health and Consumer Protection was presented with a report and video, prepared by the Eurogroup, on the welfare of pigs. The report reflects the strong public interest in the issue of animal welfare and the persistent calls on the European Commission to strengthen Community provisions in this area. Commissioner Byrne is proposing that this interest is reflected in concrete actions.