Animal health and welfare
Animal health
The rules in force are designed to protect and raise the health status and conditions of animals in the EEA, in particular food-producing animals, while at the same time permitting intra-EEA trade and imports of animals and animal products in accordance with appropriate health standards and international obligations.
Where there is an outbreak of serious animal disease in the EFTA States, the Authority has various duties regarding the review of measures taken by the EFTA State concerned, in order to minimize the harm caused by the outbreak.
During non-outbreak periods, the Authority examines contingency plans submitted by the EFTA States to ensure that they satisfy the objectives of the relevant EEA legislation.
Animal welfare
The general aim of EEA legislation regarding animal welfare is to ensure that animals do not endure avoidable pain or suffering. It is based on five basic freedoms:
- freedom from discomfort
- freedom from hunger and thirst
- freedom from fear and distress
- freedom from pain, injury and disease
- freedom to express natural behaviour
The legislation covers the handling of animals from birth to death (breeding, transport and slaughter). It also covers the culling of large numbers of animals in emergency disease situations.
The Authority monitors the implementation and application of the legislation in the EFTA States. It also examines the reports on the surveillance and control of animal welfare that the EFTA States are required to submit to the Authority.
Community legislation regarding animal welfare has been implemented by all of the EFTA States except Iceland.
