Criticism of treatment of livestock in Europe

luxembourg - The standards for animal welfare in the EU are among the highest in the world, but the minimum rules for the treatment of (poultry) cattle are far from being observed everywhere. The European Court of Auditors finds that in a report after visits to Germany, France, Poland, Italy and Romania.

The routine cutting off of pig tails, transport of sick animals, abuses in long-haul transports and mistakes in stunning for slaughter, are some points where things go wrong. For example, the inspection of French laying hens does not always meet the requirements due to missing equipment. The policy for larger housing of sows and a ban on certain chicken cages can be described as successful, the inspectors write.