Overview of animal welfare standards and initiatives in selected EU and third countries

The analysis and comparison of animal welfare standards and initiatives in eight European and selected 3rd countries was compiled as part of the EU funded project “Good animal welfare in a socio-economic context: Project to promote insight on the impact for the animal, the production chain and European society of upgrading animal welfare standards (EconWelfare)”. The project provides scientific support for the development of European policies implementing the Community Action Plan on the Protection and Welfare of Animals for 2006-2010. Taking into account the cultural and geographic differences within the EU and the importance of livestock production in individual member states, the synthesis focused on relevant standards and initiatives in Germany, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Macedonia. A comparative analysis of welfare standards was made of the legislation from the EU itself, selected EU countries as well as from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Switzerland, China, New Zealand and the United States of America