East Midlands Euro MP welcomes EU Animal Welfare Action Plan

12.00.00am GMT Tue 7th Feb 2006

Concrete measures to improve the protection and welfare of animals across the whole EU have been proposed in a new Action Plan on the protection and welfare of animals, just adopted by the European Commission.

Bill Newton Dunn, Liberal Democrat MEP for the East Midlands, welcomes the action plan, saying:

"For the period 2006-2010, five areas of action are set out to meet this objective: upgrading minimum standards for animal welfare; promoting research and alternative approaches to animal testing; introducing standardised animal welfare indicators; better informing animal handlers and the general public on animal welfare issues; and supporting international initiatives for the protection of animals. The EU action plan is an important step forward."

The Action Plan, which was called for by the European Parliament and the Council, aims to improve existing EU legislation on animal welfare, while putting forward proposals for areas where sufficient action is currently lacking.

It aims to ensure that full regard is paid to animal welfare in related policy fields such as agriculture, environmental policies, research and chemical testing in line with the Protocol on Protection and Welfare of Animals annexed to the EU Amsterdam Treaty.

EU animal welfare policies will continue to be founded on the best available scientific advice, taking into account public expectations, socio-economic consequences and world trade obligations.

The proposal will go to the European Parliament and to the Council of Ministers (which are the two legislative chambers) for amendment and / or approval.