Live castration of pigs

9.1.2015

Question for written answer E-000265-15
to the Commission
Rule 130
Franz Obermayr (NI)

In order to preserve the quality of the meat, male piglets are generally castrated soon after birth. In the vast majority of cases this is done without anaesthetic.

This situation gives rise to serious concern from an animal welfare perspective, given the availability of products which enable animal castration under anaesthetic. Regulation of the procedure for castrating pigs remains the responsibility of the Member States.

1. Does the Commission see a need to regulate the castration of male piglets at EU level?

2. If so, what specific animal welfare measures are planned?

3. If not, why does the Commission leave regulation in the hands of the Member States, given that some might be put at a competitive disadvantage if they forbid castration without anaesthetic and thereby incur higher operating costs?