The German Animal Welfare Federation has criticised the German Farmers’ Association’s call to bring the deadlines for the conversion of mating and farrowing areas into line with outstanding EU requirements. Crate systems severely restrict sows’ natural movements and behaviour. Yet Germany has long had transition periods in place: in breeding centres, crates must be phased out by 2029, whilst in farrowing areas, the restraint of sows will only be permitted for a maximum of five days from 2036 onwards. Thomas Schröder, President of the German Animal Welfare Federation, comments:
“The difficult economic situation facing pig farmers must not be used as an excuse to call into question deadlines for national improvements to animal welfare that were agreed upon long ago. The term ‘survival package’ is cynical. For the pigs, it means having to remain in housing systems that contravene animal welfare standards. The animals must not be made to bear the brunt of economic problems. Anyone calling once again today for longer transition periods is postponing urgently needed improvements at the expense of the pigs. The Federal Government must adhere to the current regulations and ensure planning certainty – not least in the interests of the farms that have already invested in sustainable housing systems. The announced European rules must not be used as a pretext to once again prevent necessary improvements in animal husbandry.”
