European Parliament
Nuno Teixeira  (PPE ),
in writing.
(PT)
The Commission has issued a communication entitled
EU Strategy for the Protection and Welfare of Animals 2012-2015
, the objective of which is to reinforce some actions already taken and establish a legislative framework that tackles some animal-related problems in a different and holistic way. I should like to stress that, in the last 14 years, the EU has dedicated around EUR 70 million per year to animal welfare, 71% of which is awarded to farmers as animal welfare-related payments under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. I am voting for this report because I think the Commission needs to provide robust support for farmers who respect the standards and good practices for animal husbandry and who invest in better farming facilities. I also consider it important to set out appropriate regulations that contribute to improving animal welfare, to protecting animal health and public health, and to making Europe’s livestock sector more productive and competitive.

