Originally from: Farmtalking
                        
RSPCA News from the press office

Wednesday 25 May 2005

RSPCA Welcomes First Global Agreement On Animal Welfare

The RSPCA has welcomed the first ever global standard for animal welfare, agreed today by the Paris-based World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE).

The landmark agreement between 167 member countries sets out minimum standards for live transport of animals by land and sea and the slaughter of animals for food or in cases of disease control.

It will specify the need for a responsible authority and acceptable methods of slaughter. Certain practices, such as the use of electronic goads will be banned.

David Bowles, head of External Affairs at the RSPCA, said: "This is a real step forward for animals world-wide, particularly in the many countries where no welfare standards or laws exist.

"It now sets a baseline for what is acceptable when killing or transporting animals and should see an end to cruel practices such as bulldozing live animals into pits for disease control or transporting animals in cruel conditions."

"The RSPCA has worked hard to agree world-wide standards for animal welfare and we have contributed to several technical working groups. The OIE will now focus on drawing up welfare standards in other farming areas, such rearing laying hens, pigs, chickens for meat and veal calves.

"The agreement across so many countries gives us an important opportunity to raise the profile of animal welfare with the World Trade Organisation (WTO). Animal welfare is not just a developing country issue but one that affects all countries. We want to ensure improvements to animal welfare can be made without causing international trade disputes.

"I hope the agreement will encourage those counties without welfare laws to raise their standards to the baseline and areas like the European Union, with existing laws, to go further and continue to improve welfare across the board for all animals."

The OIE (Organisation International Des Epizooties) was set up in 1924 to agree and publish health standards for international trade in animals and animal products. It started to look at animal welfare standards in 2003. It provides expertise and encourages international co-operation in the control of animal diseases. It also helps safeguard world trade by publishing health standards for international trade in animals and animal products.