BETA


2016/2077(INI) Minimum standards for the protection of farm rabbits

Progress: Procedure completed

RoleCommitteeRapporteurShadows
Lead AGRI POLČÁK Stanislav (icon: PPE PPE), KADENBACH Karin (icon: S&D S&D), KUŹMIUK Zbigniew (icon: ECR ECR), ROHDE Jens (icon: ALDE ALDE), HÄUSLING Martin (icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE), ZULLO Marco (icon: EFDD EFDD), LOISEAU Philippe (icon: ENF ENF)
Lead committee dossier:
Legal Basis:
RoP 54

Events

2017/08/22
   EC - Commission response to text adopted in plenary
Documents
2017/03/14
   EP - Results of vote in Parliament
2017/03/14
   EP - Decision by Parliament
Details

The European Parliament adopted by 410 votes to 205, with 59 abstentions, a resolution on minimum standards for the protection of farm rabbits.

An alternative motion for a resolution, tabled by the EPP group, was rejected in plenary by 235 votes to 388, with 62 abstentions.

Parliament recalled that the majority of rabbits are farmed for meat production, with over 340 million rabbits slaughtered for meat ever year . There are grave concerns regarding the poor welfare, high stress levels and high mortality and morbidity rates of farm rabbits in Europe.

The resolution suggested:

phasing out battery and barren wire cages in rabbit farming , and make the conversion to alternative methods of rabbit farming such as park farming or hutch systems, with grass as the main feed, which improve the comfort and welfare of farmed rabbits; undertaking further research for the purpose of finding the best possible housing systems to improve animal welfare; preserving the quality and safety of rabbit meat imports by undertaking thorough controls and inspections when these imports enter the Union.

Rabbit rearing : given that rabbits are extremely sensitive animals and can suffer from a wide range of welfare problems and diseases caused by inappropriate breeding conditions, it is necessary to increase efforts tackle the lack of research and investment in medicines.

Members pointed out that rabbits weaned for fattening and does kept in alternative collective park systems, which typically provide 750 cm²/rabbit for growers and 800 cm²/rabbit for does, benefit from more space for movement. However, such systems will cause farms to incur costs, which needs to be taken into account by providing financial assistance to farmers who opt for this system for raising rabbits.

The resolution stated that any compulsory measure initiated will have to be backed up by the budget necessary to support rabbit breeders . A specific heading should be included for the purpose of promoting the consumption of rabbit meat.

Moreover, the Commission is invited to use scientific evidence and findings as the basis when proposing measures for housing requirements for breeding does and for rabbits reared for meat production.

Transport and slaughtering : Parliament stressed that rabbits should be fed and watered before long-distance transport and be provided with adequate food, water and space in transit, and that transport times should be as limited as possible. Moreover, rabbits should be fully stunned before slaughter.

Antimicrobial resistance : due to species-specific diseases and the high mortality rate inherent to rabbit farming, widespread routine administration of antibiotics has become a necessity, which can lead to an increase in antimicrobial resistance.

Parliament stressed that antibiotics must be used only for treatment purposes and should be followed by the appropriate withdrawal period before slaughter. It emphasised that reducing the use of antibiotics, can only be achieved if stronger emphasis is placed on the management and monitoring of rabbit farms.

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, Parliament suggested drawing up a roadmap towards financially sustainable minimum standards for the protection of farm rabbits. This roadmap should consist, as a minimum, of:

the drafting of guidelines containing good practices and establishing animal welfare rules for rabbits; a Commission recommendation, taking into consideration existing national measures, containing, where appropriate, proposals for a common EU approach, in particular with regard to rabbit health, welfare and housing.

Lastly, the resolution encouraged Member States and the Commission to give dedicated budgetary support in order to undertake scientific research into health of farm rabbits, taking into account the request for a move towards other systems of production.

Documents
2017/03/14
   EP - End of procedure in Parliament
2017/03/13
   EP - Debate in Parliament
2017/01/30
   EP - Committee report tabled for plenary
Details

The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development adopted the own-initiative report by Stefan ECK (GUE/NGL, DE) on minimum standards for the protection of farm rabbits.

Members recalled that the majority of rabbits are farmed for meat production, with over 340 million rabbits slaughtered for meat ever year .

There are grave concerns regarding the poor welfare, high stress levels and high mortality and morbidity rates of farm rabbits in Europe.

The report suggested phasing out battery and barren wire cages in rabbit farming , and make the conversion to alternative methods of rabbit farming such as park farming or hutch systems, with grass as the main feed, which improve the comfort and welfare of farmed rabbits.

Member States and the Commission are called upon to undertake further research for the purpose of finding the best possible housing systems to improve animal welfare in different types of farming and to preserve the quality and safety of rabbit meat imports by undertaking thorough controls and inspections when these imports enter the Union.

Rabbit rearing : Members expressed concern that rabbits reared and fattened for meat production in the EU are kept in old-fashioned cages which do not conform to modern farming requirements. Rabbits are extremely sensitive animals and can suffer from a wide range of welfare problems and diseases caused by inappropriate breeding conditions. Few therapeutic tools are available to rabbit farmers and veterinarians to tackle the health problems that arise.

The report pointed out that rabbits weaned for fattening and does kept in alternative collective park systems, which typically provide 750 cm²/rabbit for growers and 800 cm²/rabbit for does, benefit from more space for movement. However, such systems will cause farms to incur costs, which needs to be taken into account by providing financial assistance to farmers who opt for this system for raising rabbits.

Transport and slaughtering : given that transport is a stressful experience for rabbits, Members stressed that rabbits should be fed and watered before long-distance transport and be provided with adequate food, water and space in transit, and that transport times should be as limited as possible . Moreover, rabbits should be fully stunned before slaughter.

Antimicrobial resistance : due to species-specific diseases and the high mortality rate inherent to rabbit farming, widespread routine administration of antibiotics has become a necessity, which can lead to an increase in antimicrobial resistance.

Members stressed that antibiotics must be used only for treatment purposes and should be followed by the appropriate withdrawal period before slaughter. Member States should be encouraged to gradually phase out the use of conventional battery cages across the EU.

In conclusion, the report encouraged 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 draw up a roadmap towards financially sustainable minimum standards for the protection of farm rabbits. This roadmap should consist, as a minimum, of:

the drafting of guidelines containing good practices and establishing animal welfare rules for rabbits; a Commission recommendation, taking into consideration existing national measures, containing, where appropriate, proposals for a common EU approach, in particular with regard to rabbit health, welfare and housing.

Lastly, the report encouraged Member States and the Commission to give dedicated budgetary support in order to undertake scientific research into health of farm rabbits, taking into account the request for a move towards other systems of production.

Documents
2017/01/25
   EP - Vote in committee
2016/09/19
   EP - Amendments tabled in committee
Documents
2016/07/18
   EP - Committee draft report
Documents
2016/05/12
   EP - Committee referral announced in Parliament

Documents

Votes

A8-0011/2017 - Stefan Eck - Am 1 #

2017/03/14 Outcome: -: 388, +: 235, 0: 62
FR HU ES SI MT SK BG LV RO IE HR LT PT PL AT CY EE CZ LU SE DK EL FI NL IT BE DE GB
Total
64
18
50
8
6
13
13
8
30
8
11
11
21
50
18
6
6
20
6
17
12
20
12
23
62
21
90
60
icon: PPE PPE
204

Ireland PPE

3

Cyprus PPE

1

Estonia PPE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg PPE

3

Denmark PPE

For (1)

1

Finland PPE

For (1)

3
icon: ENF ENF
36

Romania ENF

Abstain (1)

1

Poland ENF

For (1)

Against (1)

2

Netherlands ENF

3

Belgium ENF

For (1)

1

Germany ENF

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1

United Kingdom ENF

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1
icon: NI NI
15

France NI

2

Hungary NI

2

Poland NI

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1

Germany NI

For (1)

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2

United Kingdom NI

For (1)

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3
icon: EFDD EFDD
35

France EFDD

1

Lithuania EFDD

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1

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1

Czechia EFDD

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1

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2

Germany EFDD

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1
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
45

Ireland GUE/NGL

3

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2

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1

Denmark GUE/NGL

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1

Finland GUE/NGL

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1

Netherlands GUE/NGL

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1

Italy GUE/NGL

3

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

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1
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59

Slovenia ALDE

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1

Latvia ALDE

1

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2

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2

Portugal ALDE

1

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1

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3

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1

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2

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3

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1
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
49

France Verts/ALE

For (1)

5

Hungary Verts/ALE

2

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1

Latvia Verts/ALE

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1

Croatia Verts/ALE

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1

Lithuania Verts/ALE

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1

Austria Verts/ALE

3

Estonia Verts/ALE

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1

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

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1

Denmark Verts/ALE

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1

Finland Verts/ALE

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1

Netherlands Verts/ALE

2

Italy Verts/ALE

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1

Belgium Verts/ALE

2

United Kingdom Verts/ALE

6
icon: ECR ECR
64

Bulgaria ECR

2

Latvia ECR

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1

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1

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1

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Cyprus ECR

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1

Czechia ECR

2

Greece ECR

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1

Finland ECR

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1

Netherlands ECR

2

Italy ECR

2
icon: S&D S&D
177

Hungary S&D

Abstain (1)

4

Slovenia S&D

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1

Malta S&D

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3

Slovakia S&D

Abstain (1)

4

Bulgaria S&D

Abstain (1)

4

Latvia S&D

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1

Ireland S&D

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1

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2

Lithuania S&D

2

Cyprus S&D

2

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4

Luxembourg S&D

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1
3

Finland S&D

2

Netherlands S&D

3

A8-0011/2017 - Stefan Eck - Am 3 #

2017/03/14 Outcome: +: 356, -: 254, 0: 71
DE GB BE IT SE DK FI AT EL NL LU LT PT HR EE CY CZ RO IE LV SI SK BG MT ES HU PL FR
Total
90
60
21
62
18
12
13
17
20
22
6
11
21
11
6
6
20
30
8
8
8
13
12
5
50
18
49
63
icon: S&D S&D
175

Netherlands S&D

2

Luxembourg S&D

Abstain (1)

1

Croatia S&D

2

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Cyprus S&D

2

Czechia S&D

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4

Ireland S&D

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1

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1

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1

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4
icon: ALDE ALDE
59

United Kingdom ALDE

1

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2

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1

Luxembourg ALDE

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1

Portugal ALDE

1

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3

Romania ALDE

2

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1

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1

Slovenia ALDE

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1
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
49

Belgium Verts/ALE

2

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1

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1

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1

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3

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2

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1

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1

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2
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45

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1

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1

Cyprus GUE/NGL

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3
icon: ECR ECR
64

Italy ECR

2

Finland ECR

2

Greece ECR

For (1)

1

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2

Lithuania ECR

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1

Croatia ECR

Abstain (1)

1

Cyprus ECR

Abstain (1)

1

Czechia ECR

2

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1

Latvia ECR

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1

Bulgaria ECR

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2
icon: NI NI
15

Germany NI

2

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3

Hungary NI

2

Poland NI

Abstain (1)

1

France NI

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2
icon: EFDD EFDD
36

Germany EFDD

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1

Sweden EFDD

2

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1

Czechia EFDD

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1

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1

France EFDD

1
icon: ENF ENF
36

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1

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1

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1

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3

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201

Belgium PPE

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4

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1

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3

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3

Croatia PPE

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5

Estonia PPE

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1

Cyprus PPE

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1

Ireland PPE

3

A8-0011/2017 - Stefan Eck - AGRI committee resoluti #

2017/03/14 Outcome: +: 410, -: 205, 0: 59
GB DE IT SE BE FI DK EL NL AT PL CZ LT RO LU EE IE PT CY LV HR BG SI SK MT HU ES FR
Total
60
88
58
18
21
13
12
20
23
18
48
20
11
30
6
6
8
21
5
8
11
13
8
13
6
17
48
63
icon: S&D S&D
172

Netherlands S&D

3

Luxembourg S&D

Abstain (1)

1

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Ireland S&D

For (1)

1

Cyprus S&D

For (1)

1

Latvia S&D

1

Croatia S&D

2

Slovenia S&D

For (1)

1

Malta S&D

3

Hungary S&D

For (1)

3
icon: ALDE ALDE
56

United Kingdom ALDE

1

Germany ALDE

2

Sweden ALDE

2

Austria ALDE

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1

Romania ALDE

2

Luxembourg ALDE

For (1)

1

Estonia ALDE

3

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1

Portugal ALDE

1

Latvia ALDE

1

Croatia ALDE

2

Slovenia ALDE

For (1)

1
icon: ECR ECR
64

Italy ECR

2
2

Greece ECR

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1

Netherlands ECR

2

Czechia ECR

Abstain (1)

2

Lithuania ECR

1

Romania ECR

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1

Cyprus ECR

1

Latvia ECR

For (1)

1

Croatia ECR

For (1)

1

Bulgaria ECR

2

Slovakia ECR

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Abstain (1)

3
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
49

Italy Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Belgium Verts/ALE

2

Finland Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

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1

Netherlands Verts/ALE

2

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3

Lithuania Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

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1

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1

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1

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1

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2
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
45

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

1

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1

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1

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1

Ireland GUE/NGL

3

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2
icon: EFDD EFDD
37

Germany EFDD

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1

Sweden EFDD

2

Poland EFDD

1

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1

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1

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1
icon: NI NI
15

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3

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2

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1

Hungary NI

2

France NI

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2
icon: ENF ENF
36

United Kingdom ENF

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1

Germany ENF

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1

Belgium ENF

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1

Netherlands ENF

3

Poland ENF

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2

Romania ENF

Abstain (1)

1
icon: PPE PPE
199

Belgium PPE

4

Finland PPE

Against (1)

3

Denmark PPE

Against (1)

1

Luxembourg PPE

3

Estonia PPE

Abstain (1)

1

Ireland PPE

For (1)

Against (2)

3

Cyprus PPE

Against (1)

1
5
AmendmentsDossier
256 2016/2077(INI)
2016/09/20 AGRI 256 amendments...
source: 589.149

History

(these mark the time of scraping, not the official date of the change)

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  • date: 2016-05-12T00:00:00 body: EP type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP shadows: group: EPP name: POLČÁK Stanislav group: S&D name: KADENBACH Karin group: ECR name: KUŹMIUK Zbigniew group: ALDE name: ROHDE Jens group: Verts/ALE name: HÄUSLING Martin group: EFD name: ZULLO Marco group: ENF name: LOISEAU Philippe responsible: True committee: AGRI date: 2016-02-23T00:00:00 committee_full: Agriculture and Rural Development rapporteur: group: GUE/NGL name: ECK Stefan
  • date: 2017-01-25T00:00:00 body: EP type: Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP shadows: group: EPP name: POLČÁK Stanislav group: S&D name: KADENBACH Karin group: ECR name: KUŹMIUK Zbigniew group: ALDE name: ROHDE Jens group: Verts/ALE name: HÄUSLING Martin group: EFD name: ZULLO Marco group: ENF name: LOISEAU Philippe responsible: True committee: AGRI date: 2016-02-23T00:00:00 committee_full: Agriculture and Rural Development rapporteur: group: GUE/NGL name: ECK Stefan
  • date: 2017-01-30T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A8-2017-0011&language=EN type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading title: A8-0011/2017 body: EP type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading
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  • date: 2017-03-14T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P8-TA-2017-0077 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading title: T8-0077/2017 body: EP type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
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  • date: 2016-07-18T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE587.419 title: PE587.419 type: Committee draft report body: EP
  • date: 2016-09-19T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE589.149 title: PE589.149 type: Amendments tabled in committee body: EP
  • date: 2017-08-22T00:00:00 docs: url: /oeil/spdoc.do?i=28117&j=0&l=en title: SP(2017)390 type: Commission response to text adopted in plenary
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  • date: 2016-05-12T00:00:00 type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2017-01-25T00:00:00 type: Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2017-01-30T00:00:00 type: Committee report tabled for plenary, single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A8-2017-0011&language=EN title: A8-0011/2017 summary: The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development adopted the own-initiative report by Stefan ECK (GUE/NGL, DE) on minimum standards for the protection of farm rabbits. Members recalled that the majority of rabbits are farmed for meat production, with over 340 million rabbits slaughtered for meat ever year . There are grave concerns regarding the poor welfare, high stress levels and high mortality and morbidity rates of farm rabbits in Europe. The report suggested phasing out battery and barren wire cages in rabbit farming , and make the conversion to alternative methods of rabbit farming such as park farming or hutch systems, with grass as the main feed, which improve the comfort and welfare of farmed rabbits. Member States and the Commission are called upon to undertake further research for the purpose of finding the best possible housing systems to improve animal welfare in different types of farming and to preserve the quality and safety of rabbit meat imports by undertaking thorough controls and inspections when these imports enter the Union. Rabbit rearing : Members expressed concern that rabbits reared and fattened for meat production in the EU are kept in old-fashioned cages which do not conform to modern farming requirements. Rabbits are extremely sensitive animals and can suffer from a wide range of welfare problems and diseases caused by inappropriate breeding conditions. Few therapeutic tools are available to rabbit farmers and veterinarians to tackle the health problems that arise. The report pointed out that rabbits weaned for fattening and does kept in alternative collective park systems, which typically provide 750 cm²/rabbit for growers and 800 cm²/rabbit for does, benefit from more space for movement. However, such systems will cause farms to incur costs, which needs to be taken into account by providing financial assistance to farmers who opt for this system for raising rabbits. Transport and slaughtering : given that transport is a stressful experience for rabbits, Members stressed that rabbits should be fed and watered before long-distance transport and be provided with adequate food, water and space in transit, and that transport times should be as limited as possible . Moreover, rabbits should be fully stunned before slaughter. Antimicrobial resistance : due to species-specific diseases and the high mortality rate inherent to rabbit farming, widespread routine administration of antibiotics has become a necessity, which can lead to an increase in antimicrobial resistance. Members stressed that antibiotics must be used only for treatment purposes and should be followed by the appropriate withdrawal period before slaughter. Member States should be encouraged to gradually phase out the use of conventional battery cages across the EU. In conclusion, the report encouraged 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 draw up a roadmap towards financially sustainable minimum standards for the protection of farm rabbits. This roadmap should consist, as a minimum, of: the drafting of guidelines containing good practices and establishing animal welfare rules for rabbits; a Commission recommendation, taking into consideration existing national measures, containing, where appropriate, proposals for a common EU approach, in particular with regard to rabbit health, welfare and housing. Lastly, the report encouraged Member States and the Commission to give dedicated budgetary support in order to undertake scientific research into health of farm rabbits, taking into account the request for a move towards other systems of production.
  • date: 2017-03-13T00:00:00 type: Debate in Parliament body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?secondRef=TOC&language=EN&reference=20170313&type=CRE title: Debate in Parliament
  • date: 2017-03-14T00:00:00 type: Results of vote in Parliament body: EP docs: url: https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=28117&l=en title: Results of vote in Parliament
  • date: 2017-03-14T00:00:00 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P8-TA-2017-0077 title: T8-0077/2017 summary: The European Parliament adopted by 410 votes to 205, with 59 abstentions, a resolution on minimum standards for the protection of farm rabbits. An alternative motion for a resolution, tabled by the EPP group, was rejected in plenary by 235 votes to 388, with 62 abstentions. Parliament recalled that the majority of rabbits are farmed for meat production, with over 340 million rabbits slaughtered for meat ever year . There are grave concerns regarding the poor welfare, high stress levels and high mortality and morbidity rates of farm rabbits in Europe. The resolution suggested: phasing out battery and barren wire cages in rabbit farming , and make the conversion to alternative methods of rabbit farming such as park farming or hutch systems, with grass as the main feed, which improve the comfort and welfare of farmed rabbits; undertaking further research for the purpose of finding the best possible housing systems to improve animal welfare; preserving the quality and safety of rabbit meat imports by undertaking thorough controls and inspections when these imports enter the Union. Rabbit rearing : given that rabbits are extremely sensitive animals and can suffer from a wide range of welfare problems and diseases caused by inappropriate breeding conditions, it is necessary to increase efforts tackle the lack of research and investment in medicines. Members pointed out that rabbits weaned for fattening and does kept in alternative collective park systems, which typically provide 750 cm²/rabbit for growers and 800 cm²/rabbit for does, benefit from more space for movement. However, such systems will cause farms to incur costs, which needs to be taken into account by providing financial assistance to farmers who opt for this system for raising rabbits. The resolution stated that any compulsory measure initiated will have to be backed up by the budget necessary to support rabbit breeders . A specific heading should be included for the purpose of promoting the consumption of rabbit meat. Moreover, the Commission is invited to use scientific evidence and findings as the basis when proposing measures for housing requirements for breeding does and for rabbits reared for meat production. Transport and slaughtering : Parliament stressed that rabbits should be fed and watered before long-distance transport and be provided with adequate food, water and space in transit, and that transport times should be as limited as possible. Moreover, rabbits should be fully stunned before slaughter. Antimicrobial resistance : due to species-specific diseases and the high mortality rate inherent to rabbit farming, widespread routine administration of antibiotics has become a necessity, which can lead to an increase in antimicrobial resistance. Parliament stressed that antibiotics must be used only for treatment purposes and should be followed by the appropriate withdrawal period before slaughter. It emphasised that reducing the use of antibiotics, can only be achieved if stronger emphasis is placed on the management and monitoring of rabbit farms. 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, Parliament suggested drawing up a roadmap towards financially sustainable minimum standards for the protection of farm rabbits. This roadmap should consist, as a minimum, of: the drafting of guidelines containing good practices and establishing animal welfare rules for rabbits; a Commission recommendation, taking into consideration existing national measures, containing, where appropriate, proposals for a common EU approach, in particular with regard to rabbit health, welfare and housing. Lastly, the resolution encouraged Member States and the Commission to give dedicated budgetary support in order to undertake scientific research into health of farm rabbits, taking into account the request for a move towards other systems of production.
  • date: 2017-03-14T00:00:00 type: End of procedure in Parliament body: EP
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  • The Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development adopted the own-initiative report by Stefan ECK (GUE/NGL, DE) on minimum standards for the protection of farm rabbits.

    Members recalled that the majority of rabbits are farmed for meat production, with over 340 million rabbits slaughtered for meat ever year.

    There are grave concerns regarding the poor welfare, high stress levels and high mortality and morbidity rates of farm rabbits in Europe.

    The report suggested phasing out battery and barren wire cages in rabbit farming, and make the conversion to alternative methods of rabbit farming such as park farming or hutch systems, with grass as the main feed, which improve the comfort and welfare of farmed rabbits.

    Member States and the Commission are called upon to undertake further research for the purpose of finding the best possible housing systems to improve animal welfare in different types of farming and to preserve the quality and safety of rabbit meat imports by undertaking thorough controls and inspections when these imports enter the Union.

    Rabbit rearing: Members expressed concern that rabbits reared and fattened for meat production in the EU are kept in old-fashioned cages which do not conform to modern farming requirements. Rabbits are extremely sensitive animals and can suffer from a wide range of welfare problems and diseases caused by inappropriate breeding conditions. Few therapeutic tools are available to rabbit farmers and veterinarians to tackle the health problems that arise.

    The report pointed out that rabbits weaned for fattening and does kept in alternative collective park systems, which typically provide 750 cm²/rabbit for growers and 800 cm²/rabbit for does, benefit from more space for movement. However, such systems will cause farms to incur costs, which needs to be taken into account by providing financial assistance to farmers who opt for this system for raising rabbits.

    Transport and slaughtering: given that transport is a stressful experience for rabbits, Members stressed that rabbits should be fed and watered before long-distance transport and be provided with adequate food, water and space in transit, and that transport times should be as limited as possible. Moreover, rabbits should be fully stunned before slaughter.

    Antimicrobial resistance: due to species-specific diseases and the high mortality rate inherent to rabbit farming, widespread routine administration of antibiotics has become a necessity, which can lead to an increase in antimicrobial resistance.

    Members stressed that antibiotics must be used only for treatment purposes and should be followed by the appropriate withdrawal period before slaughter. Member States should be encouraged to gradually phase out the use of conventional battery cages across the EU.

    In conclusion, the report encouraged 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 draw up a roadmap towards financially sustainable minimum standards for the protection of farm rabbits. This roadmap should consist, as a minimum, of:

    • the drafting of guidelines containing good practices and establishing animal welfare rules for rabbits;
    • a Commission recommendation, taking into consideration existing national measures, containing, where appropriate, proposals for a common EU approach, in particular with regard to rabbit health, welfare and housing.

    Lastly, the report encouraged Member States and the Commission to give dedicated budgetary support in order to undertake scientific research into health of farm rabbits, taking into account the request for a move towards other systems of production.

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  • date: 2016-05-12T00:00:00 body: EP type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP shadows: group: EPP name: POLČÁK Stanislav group: S&D name: KADENBACH Karin group: ECR name: KUŹMIUK Zbigniew group: ALDE name: ROHDE Jens group: Verts/ALE name: HÄUSLING Martin group: EFD name: ZULLO Marco responsible: True committee: AGRI date: 2016-02-23T00:00:00 committee_full: Agriculture and Rural Development rapporteur: group: GUE/NGL name: ECK Stefan
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  • body: EP shadows: group: EPP name: POLČÁK Stanislav group: S&D name: KADENBACH Karin group: ECR name: KUŹMIUK Zbigniew group: ALDE name: ROHDE Jens group: Verts/ALE name: HÄUSLING Martin group: EFD name: ZULLO Marco responsible: True committee: AGRI date: 2016-02-23T00:00:00 committee_full: Agriculture and Rural Development rapporteur: group: GUE/NGL name: ECK Stefan
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Minimum standards for the protection of farm rabbits
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