European Parliament
Angelika Werthmann  (NI ),
in writing.
The Strategy for the Protection and Welfare of Animals 2012-2015 (Commission communication) can be seen as an open door, leading to a clear and equivalent animal welfare level within the EU, and it is much welcomed as far as it contains so many aspects of Parliament’s Resolution of 5 May 2010.
A high level of animal welfare is a part of sustainable development and is important to protect animal health, public health and the productivity and competitiveness of the livestock sector in Europe. Complex European and national rules on animal welfare, and lack of compliance and enforcement regarding certain pieces of animal welfare legislation, create legal uncertainty and distort competition. There is a need for a new approach to animal welfare based on the science and proven experience which has been acquired over the last years, and where the legislation is easy to understand and easy to control.
The new Strategy presents a broader approach calling for policy coherence (animal welfare should be given greater attention in the EU’s Consumer Policy, in the Framework Programmes for research and in the CAP) and coordination of financial resources (proper budget for actions listed).

