ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the welfare of animals in Europe. It will begin by setting out the background to the various European legal systems. It will consider the legislative or constitutional recognition of animal sentience or similar and then the mechanisms for political or government accountability for animal welfare and bodies providing scientific/ethical advice about animal welfare needs. Adherence to OIE animal welfare standards, support for UDAW, signatories to international conventions and/or compliance with international animal protection laws will also be examined. It will consider general protections both around laws against animal cruelty and animal welfare legislation that imposes a duty of care. It will then provide an overview of animal protection or welfare legislation in specific areas including animals used in farming, animals in captivity, companion animals, animals used for draught and recreation, protection of wild animals, and animals used in scientific research. The legal situation is dominated in Europe by the EU so each section will begin with the EU’s law on that area. It will then consider whether any EU Member States or those European countries not in the EU go beyond these requirements. Next it will present any recommendations for reform before coming to an overall conclusion.
