EU legislation in the field of animal protection and its unresolved issues

The European Union (EU) has since 1974 established a wide range of legislative provisions concerning animal welfare. Under the EU treaties, animals are recognised as sentient beings, and in consequence, the EU and the Member States must pay due regard to the welfare requirements of animals when preparing and implementing EU policies in for example, agriculture or internal market. Today EU legislation on the welfare of farm animals covers with specific provisions the farming of poultry, calves and pigs as well as, for all species, transport and slaughter operations. This legislation is one of the most advanced in the world. In particular the EU has banned traditional cages for laying hens and requires group housing for pregnant sows.