43 Amendments of Eric ANDRIEU related to 2016/2077(INI)
Amendment 9 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B
Recital B
B. whereas in Europe the majority of rabbits are farmed for meat production, with over 340 million rabbits slaughtered for meat ever year;hich amounts to some 648 000 tonnes of carcases, whereas more than three quarters of all rabbit farming in the EU takes place in Italy, Spain and France and whereas rabbit farming represents less than 1% of final livestock production in the EU;
Amendment 13 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B a (new)
Recital B a (new)
Ba. whereas the European Union is the prime producer of rabbits in the world, ahead of Asia and particularly China, which, producing 417 000 tonnes of carcases, is the biggest exporter;
Amendment 14 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas rabbit farmers and the sector as a whole have an interest in ensuring that rabbit breeding in line with the European production model continues to uphold the highest standards in the world with regard to food safety, animal health and welfare and respect for the environment;
Amendment 15 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B c (new)
Recital B c (new)
Bc. whereas European rabbit farming is based on the coexistence of different production systems, and whereas rabbit farming is an important way of diversifying the income of many small farms throughout the territory, at the same time as providing a source of employment, in most cases for women;
Amendment 16 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital B b (new)
Recital B b (new)
Bb. whereas, with a mean consumption of 1.70 kg per inhabitant, rabbit meat is one of the least consumed meats in the Union (between 1 and 2% of all meat consumed);
Amendment 19 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital C
Recital C
C. whereas the housing of rabbits kept for farming purposes is one of the central questions discussed among stakeholders involved in their breeding, especially with regard tohousing, feeding, genetics, health aspects or optimisation of the emotional state of rabbits kept for farming purposes are vital questions for stakeholders involved in rabbit farming, and whereas the subjects under debate also concern animal welfare;
Amendment 29 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas the majority of rabbits in the EU are kept in barren environments, often in battery cages; whereas rabbits are often housed in sheds containing 500 to 1 000 breeding females and 10 000 to 20 000 growing rabbits;
Amendment 30 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital D
Recital D
D. whereas, since their domestication, the majority of rabbits in the EU are kept in barren environments, often in battery cages; whereas rabbits are often housed in sheds containing 500 to 1 000 breeding females and 10 000 to 20 000 growing rabbits;
Amendment 37 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital E
Recital E
E. whereas the domesticated rabbrabbit, like other species that coexist with hasumans, keept most of the wild rabbs elements of it’s natural behaviour, and intensivresearch therefore needs to be fcarming systems have severe negative implications for its welfareried out in this area and measures and conditions implemented during rearing to ensure as far as possible that rabbits are able to maintain this behaviour, provided that it is positive for their own health;
Amendment 40 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital E a (new)
Recital E a (new)
Ea. whereas there is a lack of research, development and innovation in relation to rabbit breeding (health, animal welfare, medication, etc.), which is a consequence of its slight economic interest for businesses given its low economic value and low level of significance in European animal production as a whole;
Amendment 41 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital E b (new)
Recital E b (new)
Eb. whereas, up to now, there is a lack of sufficient research and information that would make it possible to resolve the challenges in relation to health and behaviour that arise as a consequence of rearing rabbits in groups and on the ground, and that compromise rabbit health and welfare;
Amendment 42 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital F
Recital F
F. whereas in organic production systems rabbits are kept in group pens with access to a small area of pasture at the base of the pen, which allows the rabbits more space, increased social interaction and more opportunities for natural behaviour such as gnawingat present European law on organic farming does not include any specific rules on rabbit production, whereas organic production depends on national rules, some onf wooden blocks, eating hay, hiding in tubes and under platforms, standing on their hind legs, lying hich advocate that rabbits be raised in group pens equipped with access to a small area of pasturetched out, hopping and jumping at the base of the pen;
Amendment 53 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital F a (new)
Recital F a (new)
Fa. whereas, as in the case of other species such as poultry, research might be undertaken into alternative production systems, including organic production systems, that can offer consumers a wider range of food products and have hitherto been developed only to a limited extent;
Amendment 57 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital G
Recital G
G. whereas there are minimum EU standards for the protection of pigs1 , calves2 , laying hens3 , and broiler chickens4 , as well as the general Council Directive for the protection of animals kept for farming purposes5 , but there is not as yet anydespite the fact that there is no specific EU legislation on minimum standards for the protection of rabbits, whereas producer countries are updating their production methods without tightening up the rules or codes of conduct on animal welfare; _________________ 1 Council Directive 2008/120/EC laying down minimum standards for the protection of pigs, Official Journal L 47, 18.02.2009 p. 5-13. 2 Council Directive 2008/119/EEC of 18 December 2008 laying down minimum standards for the protection of calves. Official Journal (OJ L 10, 11.1.2009, p. 7-13). 3 Council Directive 1999/74/EC of 19 July 1999 laying down minimum standards for the protection of laying hens. Official Journal (OJ L 203, 3.8.1999 p. 53-57). 4 Council Directive 2007/43/EC of 28 June 2007 laying down minimum rules for the protection of chickens kept for meat production, Official Journal L 182, 12.7.2007, p. 19-28. 5 Council Directive 98/58/EC of 20 July 1998 concerning the protection of animals kept for farming purposes. Official JournalJ L 221, 8.8.1998, p. 23-27.
Amendment 74 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Expresses its concerns that rabbits in the EU are usuNotes that in the European Union rabbits are generally reared in unenrichslatted cages, a barren environment that only has a drinker and feeder; also notes with concern that rabbits are fed on pellets and the close confines of the battery cages do not allow rabbits to express their natural behaviourwhich allows the environment to be sterile, keeping the animal away from soiled areas; stresses that these cages greatly promote the health quality of housing and therefore limit the risk that animals may become diseased or infected;
Amendment 75 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Expresses its concerns that rabbits in the EU are usually reared in unenriched cages, a barren environment th at the lack of research, development and innovation in relation to rabbit breeding (medicat ionly has a dr, health and welfare, inkter and feeder; also notes with concern that rabbits are fed on pellets and the close confines of the battery cages do not allow rabbits to express their natural behaviourlia), which would enable progress to be made in rabbit farming on the basis of scientific knowledge rather than unproven beliefs or prejudices;
Amendment 84 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Acknowledges that in some Member States alternatives to barren-cage farming of rabbits exist which reduce the incidence of disease and mortality ratee need to continue researching into alternative production systems to resolve the health and behavioural challenges that rabbit farming needs to tackle so that these systems can be used voluntarily by as mand improve the welfare of farmed rabbity producers as possible, thus offering a wider range of products tailored to the various demands of individual consumers;
Amendment 86 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Acknowledges that in some Member States alternatives to barren-cage farming of rabbits exist which reduce the incidence of disease and mortality rates and improve the welfare of farmed rabbits;
Amendment 91 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Encourages the use of pen systems for groups, which are the most suitable system for rabbits because of their highly social behaviour; points out that the use of pen systems improves the welfare of farm rabbits and reduces the incidence of abnormal behaviour amongst themdevelopment of research and innovation in rabbit-rearing systems, as the group pen system is not a satisfactory solution because it promotes aggression between individuals and may create health problems because of the risk of injuries and infections; stresses furthermore that housing is not the only criterion for animal welfare and that animal health also depends on two important farming practices, namely the ambient conditions of buildings and the development of adequate prophylaxis;
Amendment 95 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Encourages the use of pen systems for groups, which are the most suitable system for rabbits because of their highly social behaviour; points out that the use of pen systems improves the welfare of farm rabbits and reduces the incidence of abnormal behaviour amongst themresearch, development and innovation in relation to rabbit welfare, including individual and group housing systems, with the aim of gaining better knowledge and making it possible to implement improvements to farms while at the same time guaranteeing their sustainability;
Amendment 111 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 113 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
Amendment 120 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Points out that, to cut costs and save space, a typical barren wire cage for an adult doe in the EU is 60 to 65 cm long, 40 to 48 cm wide and 30 to 35 cm high; concludes that this means that rabbits cannot move normally or adopt normal postures such as stretching out, sitting and standing with their ears erect ( a ‘look out’ posture typical of the species), rearing up, turning around comfortably and hopping; underlines that this lack of exercishe scientific opinion delivered by EFSA experts did not call into question the use of slatted cages, because that system limits health problems, which are common in this species of animal, and makes it possible to isolate breeding does, which require peace can also lead to weakened or broken bonesd quiet when giving birth;
Amendment 127 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
Amendment 129 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Notes with concern that there is a high rate of disease and mortality amongst caged farm rabbits, compared with other farmed species;deleted
Amendment 143 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Expresses its concernObserves that rabbits reared and fattened for meat production in the EU are typically caged in groups, and are provided with a space per rabbit that is less than the area of for reasons associated with the health problems suffered by this species of animal, which is very vulnerable two ordinary A4 sheets of paperdisease and parasites;
Amendment 148 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Points out that rabbits can suffer from a wide range of welfare problems and diseases, including fatal viruses, snuffles and sore hocks from sitting on wire-mesh cage floors; is aware that investigations6 have shown that on some farms sick and injured rabbits are not treated and many fall victim to eye and fungal infections and respiratory conditions; notes with concern that the vast majority of these animals end up in the food chain, either as pet food or as meat sold to consumers in supermarkets; _________________ 6 http://www.ciwf.org.uk/our- campaigns/investigations/rabbit- investigations/2014-the-biggest-secret-of- the-cage-age/deleted
Amendment 149 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Points out that rabbits are extremely sensitive animals and can suffer from a wide range of welfare problems and infectious diseases, including fatal viruses, snuffles and sore hocks from sitting on wire-mesh cage floors; i, and that these health risks aware that investigations6 have shown thlimited thanks to very strict European health rules; stresses that, under the legislat ion some farms sick and injured rabbits are not treated and many fall victim to eye and fungal infections and respiratory conditions; notes with concern that the vast majority of these animals end up in the food chain, either as pet foodin force[1], sick animals immediately receive medical treatment, accompanied by isolation of the animal during its convalesence, or euthanasia if necessary; [1] Directive 98/58/EC concerning the protection orf as meat sold to consumers in supermarkets; _________________ 6 http://www.ciwf.org.uk/our- campaigns/investigations/rabbit- investigations/2014-the-biggest-secret-of- the-cage-age/nimals kept for farming purposes
Amendment 151 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8
Paragraph 8
8. Points out that rabbits can suffer from a wide range of welfare problems and diseases, including fatal viruses, snuffles and sore hocks from sitting on wire-mesh cage floors; is aware that investigations6 have shown that on some farms sick and injured rabbits are not treated and many fall victim to eye and fungal infections and respiratory conditions; notes with concern that the vast majority of these animals end up in the food c and snuffles; is aware that little research has been carried out in these fields owing to the low level of investment, and this prevents rabbit farmers and veterinarians from havin, either as pet food or as meat sold to consumers in supermarkets; _________________ 6 http://www.ciwf.org.uk/our- campaigns/investigations/rabbit- investigations/2014-the-biggest-secret-of- the-cage-age/g sufficient therapeutic tools to tackle the health problems that arise;
Amendment 160 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Recognises the importance of providing training courses for people involved in all aspects of animal handling in rabbit farming and good practice guides based on reliable technical and scientific analyses in order to improve their performance and understanding of the relevant animal welfare requirements in order to avoid unnecessary suffering for animals;
Amendment 161 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Underlines that, growing rabbits and does kept in pen systems, typically 750 cm²/rabbit for growers and 800 cm²/rabbit for does, benefit from more space for movement, social interaction and play, and that platforms in pen systems allow rabbits to avoid aggressors by getting out of the way, with separate housing for does when they are nursing a litter;iven that the space available for keeping rabbits is a significant factor for their welfare in both traditional and alternative housing systems, it is vital to expand the very limited knowledge currently available in this area, with a view to introducing measures that will help to improve welfare; further considers it necessary to study enrichment systems, such as platforms, so as to ensure that their design guarantees rabbits' health and improves their welfare; .
Amendment 162 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Underlines that growing rabbits, although rabbits weaned for fattening and does kept in pen systems, typically 750 cm²/rabbit for growers and 800 cm²/rabbit for does, benefit from more space for movement, social interaction and play, and that platforms in pen systems allow rabbits to avoid aggressthis system does not resolve problems of aggression and flesh wounds suffered by rabbits, or that of the need fors by getting out of the way, with separate housing for does when they are nursing a litterreeding does to be isolated, and that, this being so, it is evidently necessary to encourage research programmes to improve welfare;
Amendment 183 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Stresses that rabbits should be fully stunned before slaughter, ensuring that they undergo no suffering, pain or stress; recalls that slaughter should be carried out without risk of the stunned animal regaining consciousness; calls for progress to be made in the search for alternative systems to electronarcosis, such as stunning with CO2 and a mixture of gases, which are used on other species;
Amendment 185 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses that the widespreadRecognises the efforts of European producers to reduce the use of antibiotics in rabbit farming; notes that the use of antibiotics in rabbit farming, especially in the intensive type of farming, that uses cage systems, can lead to an increase in antimicrobial resistanceends to be greater because of the absence of research into specialised vaccines and treatments; notes that greater efforts are needed to develop specialised vaccines and treatments for minor species such as rabbits;
Amendment 187 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Stresses that the widespread use of antibiotics in rabbit farming, especially in the intensive type of farming that uses cage systems, can lead to an increase in antimicrobial resistancee concern felt at international level at the increase in resistance to antibiotics, which is caused among other things by incorrect use in human and veterinary medicine, making it vital to move towards more responsible use; takes the view that rabbit farming is not uninvolved in this situation and must also make a significant effort;
Amendment 197 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Emphasises that abolishing the use of battery cages across the EU would have a positive impact on the protection of public health and would reduce the use of antibiotics in rabbit farming;deleted
Amendment 199 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 15
Paragraph 15
15. Emphasises that abolishing the use of battery cages across the EU would have a positive impact on the protection of public health and would reduce the use of antibiotics in rabbit farminge need for research, development and innovation in relation to new medicinal products and treatments that will make it possible to improve rabbit health and welfare; takes the view that, owing to the lack of investment as a consequence of dealing with a minor species, rabbit farming lacks sufficient therapeutic tools, and public institutions need to make a greater economic and legislative effort to provide an incentive for such research;
Amendment 204 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls on the Commission, in the light of the high number of rabbits being farmed and slaughtered in the EU and the severe animal welfare implications of the systems currently used for keeping rabbits, to put forward soon legislative proposals on setting minimum standards for the protection of farm rabbits;deleted
Amendment 205 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Calls onEncourages the Commission, in the light of the high number of rabbits being farmed and slaughtered in the EU and the severe animal welfare implications of the systems currently used for keeping rabbits, to put forward soon legislative proposals on setting minimum standards for to cooperate with stakeholders in the rabbit- farming industry to draw up guidelines establishing animal welfare rules for rabbits; considers that this method will make it possible to help rabbit-farming stakeholders to incorporate good practice rules in their proteduction of farm rabbitmethods on a voluntary basis;
Amendment 215 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Invites the Commission to consider pen systems as the guiding principle when proposing measures for housing requirements for breeding does and for rabbits reared for meat production;deleted
Amendment 231 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 18 a (new)
Paragraph 18 a (new)
18a. Points out that discussions about welfare will need to allow for the sustainability of farms with a view to preserving their competitiveness; maintains in addition that bilateral agreements must insist on reciprocity where animal welfare is concerned;
Amendment 236 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Stresses that all measures should be harmonised at EU level by introducing specific EU legislation for the minimum protection of farm rabbits, including a clear system of production labelling allowing consumers in the EU to make an informed choice about the rabbit meat they buy, in view of the differences in quantities produced in different Member States, priority should be assigned to establishing guides to good practice to be adhered to by producers on a voluntary basis in order to work towards a harmonisation of European practices in rabbit farming;
Amendment 246 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19 a (new)
Paragraph 19 a (new)
19a. Points out that any compulsory measure initiated will have to be backed up by the budget necessary to support rabbit breeders; also maintains that a specific heading should be included for the purpose of promoting the consumption of rabbit meat;