Animal protection is a rare political topic where people and politicians from across the political spectrum express support for the protection of animals, but the issue is rarely seen as a “deciding factor” for election outcomes.
Despite the perception that Europe has some of the better animal protection records in the world, there remains room for improvement.
In this series of articles, Euractiv will explore the state of play for animal protection in Europe through a variety of relevant issues including fur farming, farm animal welfare, animal testing, the REACH legislation and more.
-
Netting a better seal deal, balancing animal welfare with fishing rights
Est. 7minAnimal welfare groups are hoping EU legislation protecting seals is kept above board, while Baltic fishermen are trying to salvage political nets in their fight to ensure adequate fish hauls.
-
No food, grotesque transportation, barbaric slaughter – EU animal welfare must be better
Est. 6minCalves are spending long hours on transporters with no access to food, cattle are taking long sea journeys in grotesque conditions to be slaughtered in barbaric facilities - animal welfare groups are demanding better from the EU.
-
Ending the ‘Cage Age’ in Europe, feathers to fly in court battle
Est. 6minEurope’s citizens called for an end to the ‘cage age’ with the phasing-out of cages and crates for farm animals. The European Commission agreed but now says more consultation with farmers is needed. The ECJ will calm the coop.
-
Dolly’s revenge, European Commission proposes to drop wolves’ protection status
Est. 6minThe European Commission’s proposal to drop wolves’ protection status under the Bern Convention from ‘strictly protected species’ to ‘protected species’ came as a blow to conservation advocates fighting the magnus malus lupus' corner in Europe.
-
Political herds see animal welfare votes in Europe’s elections
Est. 5minEurope’s 340 million pets are unlikely to swing this year’s European elections, though with cats, one can never be sure. Jennifer Baker looks at Europe’s animal-related policy dynamics and how they could influence June’s electoral mix.
-
EU citizens care about animal welfare, but why is this not being translated into political action?
Est. 6minAnimal welfare is one of those rare issues that is neither left nor right. Across the political spectrum and irrespective of nationality, you’ll always find politicians who care about the plight of animals; it is certainly not the exclusive domain of the Greens and the Left.
-
Improve pig welfare standards, demand animal rights advocates
Est. 5minPig producers across the EU should deliver higher welfare standards than the EU Pig Directive currently requires, say activists who are now calling for better practices and additional measures to ensure pig welfare.
-
REFIT and Reseal: Why the EU Must Uphold the Ban on Trade in Seal Products
Est. 6minIt is fitting that the European Commission periodically reviews legislation to ensure that it is still delivering on its objectives in a cost-effective way. Sometimes, however, a ‘REFIT’ risks poking a hornets’ nest.