Animal welfare is “essential” for most Europeans

Animal welfare protection is considered “essential” by more than eight in ten Europeans, according to a Eurobarometer survey published last Thursday. Eighty-four percent of respondents believe that the welfare of farm animals should be better protected in their country, and a similar share (83%) supports limiting the transport time of live animals.

Nearly three-quarters (74%) also favor stronger protection for companion animals.

When it comes to food imports from non-EU countries, 84% of Europeans believe the current situation “must change,” either by applying EU animal welfare standards to imported foods or by labeling products according to the standards applied.

Despite the survey being conducted in March 2023, when food prices were already “very high” due to inflation, 60% of respondents said they would be willing to pay more for products from animal-friendly farming systems.

The survey was conducted between March 2 and 26, 2023, interviewing 26,376 people across the 27 EU Member States, representing diverse social and demographic groups. The European Commission is currently working on revising EU animal welfare legislation, with the proposal on animal transport—one of the four main components—expected to be presented in December.

Source: EFE