Widespread failure to comply with animal welfare law in the Netherlands

24.10.2012

Question for written answer E-009751-12
to the Commission
Rule 117
Kartika Tamara Liotard (GUE/NGL)

A study published in the Netherlands entitled ‘Compliance with animal welfare law in stockfarming’ reveals that between 1 and 2.5 billion breaches of animal welfare law occur each year in the stockfarming sector in the Netherlands. These breaches include serious violations of European directives. Here is just one example: at least 38.5% of chickens kept for meat production have serious injuries to their legs, feet and breasts. These chickens are clearly not being kept in the proper manner, i.e. in separate cages and/or with permanent access to dry litter, as required by Article 3(j) of and Annex I(9) to Directive 2007/43/EC.

The study classifies breaches of the law as established, probable and possible. The example quoted above is an established breach. The study concludes that a total of 960 685 523 established breaches of animal welfare law occur in the stockfarming sector in the Netherlands every year.

1. What is the Commission’s response to the study’s findings?

2. In the light of the study’s findings, does the Commission take the view that European animal welfare law is being complied with properly in the Netherlands?

3. What action will the Commission take to improve compliance with animal welfare law, so that animals in the Netherlands and other Member States are protected more effectively in practice, and not only on paper?

4. Now that these worrying new facts have come to light, will the Commission take extra emergency measures?

OJ C 310 E, 25/10/2013