New perspectives in the enforcement of European Animal Welfare related legislation

VIER PFOTEN and Eurogroup for Animals experts’ conference concludes with solution strategies for better enforcement and the establishment of a European Animal Welfare Lawyers Network.


Brussels, 14 June 2012

More than 120 participants came together from 12-13 June for the common experts’ conference of VIER PFOTEN International / VIER PFOTEN – Stiftung für Tierschutz and Eurogroup for Animals in the Permanent Representation of the Federal Republic of Germany to the EU.

Together with their partners the Istituto G. Caporale Teramo, the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE), the German Juridical Society for Animal Welfare Law (DJGT), Stiftung für das Tier im Recht (TIR) and the Free University of Barcelona (UAB), they facilitated a two day conference with the aim to indicate reasons for enforcement problems in animal welfare related legislation and to discuss solution strategies for the different levels of enforcement.

The conference was opened with a keynote speech by Harry Vassallo, Member of the Cabinet of EU Commissioner John Dalli. As a result of the two day conference, the attendees agreed on the conclusion that inadequate enforcement is a problem in almost every animal welfare related EU legislation and has to be fought.

They highlighted the urgent need for better regulation in particular more precise legislation as well as the EU Commission to develop an enforcement strategy which will lead to a common European understanding of animal welfare and a culture of compliance and enforcement. As a key supporting mechanism for improved compliance, the attendees indicated transparency for consumers including labeling and traceability of products and animals.

Another successful outcome of the conference is the establishment of a European Network of Animal Welfare Lawyers and Commissioners. Consisting of about 20 members, the network in particular aims to strengthen enforcement by focusing on the exchange of information and experience.


Contact person:
VIER PFOTEN European Policy Office, Brussels
Kristin Karnbach at +32-2-7400888 or Kristin.karnbach@vier-pfoten.eu

Source: Information: Eurogroup for Animals
Author: div