EU
General Farming Directive
Summary Description
Sets minimum standards regulating the treatment of all farmed animals, including fish, animals for fur, skin, or fur purposes, except invertebrates.
Topics
Species
Farmed animals
Jurisdiction
EU
Sub-Jurisdiction
N/A
Type of Act
Legislation
Status
In force
Legal Value
Binding
Date Enacted
1998
Date Updated
June, 2023
Official Citation
Council Directive 98/58 of 20 July 1998 Concerning the Protection of Animals Kept for Farming Purposes, 1998 O.J. L 221/23 - 27 (E.U.)
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Broad scope (covers all animals fish, farmed for food, fibre, or fur purposes, except invertebrates).
- The Annex sets general principles regarding:
Weaknesses
- The act excludes invertebrates from its scope and does not provide species-specific care including developmental.
- Physiological, and ethological needs not addressed.
- The language of the provisions is vague and almost always provides basis for exemptions to general principles (e.g. freedom of movement, mutilations, building specifications).
- The act contains no enforcement mechanisms.
Related Laws/Policies
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