In 2023, the European Commission proposed new rules to improve the welfare of dogs and cats in the EU and the conditions for transporting animals. It also responded to a citizen initiative to ban fur farming. Each year, 1.6 billion animals are transported within and from the EU. The new rules aim to reduce travel times, offer outside breaks during long journeys, increase minimum space, and prohibit transport in extreme temperatures. Improving animal welfare benefits the animals, consumers, and farmers by supporting sustainable food systems and reducing public health risks.
Public procurement, often underestimated, is a powerful tool to promote animal welfare. Purchases by local authorities and the state are governed by strict rules to ensure proper use of public funds. Since a European reform in 2014, animal welfare has been a relevant criterion for selecting offers. Local authorities can choose animal-friendly products, such as free-range eggs and meat from humane farms, as well as cleaning products not tested on animals.
The use of animal welfare criteria in public procurement affects various stakeholders. It directly benefits animals by reducing suffering and improving living conditions. It also impacts businesses that must meet these criteria to win contracts, potentially transforming the entire market towards more humane practices. Furthermore, it benefits communities and their residents by aligning local policies with broader social welfare goals.
Integrating this criterion into public contracts can transform the market in favor of animal-friendly practices, benefiting communities and their citizens. Municipalities like Bordeaux, Douai, and Six-Fours-les-Plages have already taken initiatives in this direction, reducing animal suffering and meeting citizens’ expectations for concrete measures to support animal welfare.
SOURCES :
Améliorer le bien-être des animaux – Commission européenne (europa.eu)
