Animal welfare

We usually divide animals into two groups: pets, for companionshop, who live in our homes, and farm animals or livestock, such as cattle, pigs and horses, raised to produce food, but also fibres, leather and other products, and for other useful activities.


Animal welfare isn't just about breeding, it's about the whole production chain. Management and control practices are really important, because animal health has a direct impact on human health, and animal welfare and food safety are closely related.

Livestock farming

The general public is talking more and more about animal welfare and ethical concerns in livestock farming. This increased sensitivity has also had a big impact on European laws and has led to the EU introducing rules as part of the Farm to Fork Strategy.


Only farms that look after their animals really well, making sure they have enough food, space and cleanliness, and that the vets are checking on them regularly, can be considered healthy.

In Italy
The EU's rules and standards for protecting farm animals have been turned into Italian laws (see Legislative Decree 146/2001) to make sure animals are treated well at every stage of production. This law provides a general framework that applies to all types of livestock, and there are also more specific regulations concerning breeding conditions for certain types of livestock, such as pigs, poultry and cattle.
In Puglia
Puglia has adopted the National Animal Welfare Plan (PNBA), which provides for the protection and welfare of farm animals and implements the Multi-year Regional Control Plan (PCRP). Measures to protect farm animals and improve their living conditions are accompanied by control and monitoring activities, in accordance with domestic and EU regulations. Collaboration between the competent authorities, such as the veterinary services of the local health authorities and the local councils, has also been strengthened, to optimise policies and practices and deal with issues more effectively.
In EU
Another protection tool is EU Regulation 2017/625, which sets out the rules for bringing animals and food products from outside the EU into the European market. This is to make sure that they meet the relevant EU food safety rules or equivalent requirements.

Transport

Transport is a really important time for farm animals, because it can cause stress, fear and physical suffering. Noise, vibrations, overcrowding and changes in the environment all have a negative impact on their welfare.
To bring in common rules and practices, the EU has passed Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 which sets out how animals are to be transported within the EU and to third countries. 


Animals can only be transported if they're healthy enough for the journey. When they're being transported they need enough space to move around, good ventilation and protection from the weather, and access to food and water. The journey times are regulated with strict limits and mandatory breaks, to make sure the animals have enough time to rest, feed and drink. The means of transport too have to meet specific technical requirements for safety and comfort.


The EU Regulation is implemented in Italy by Legislative Decree 151/2007, which has set out the relevant control procedures and penalties. Compliance with the applicable legislation is determined in accordance with the National Plan for the official control of animal protection during transport.

Documents