WorldPoultry: IEC - global database of animal welfare legislation launched

The International Egg Commission (IEC) has launched a global database of animal welfare legislation.

The database provides an overview of international animal welfare legislative measures and codes of practice.

The interactive summary document includes details from 19 countries, identifying six key animal areas. Each subsection contains hyperlinks to connect users to the associated documentation.

Animal welfare is a key issue affecting the operations of egg industry producers and country associations and the IEC believes that having an overview of the regulations in an accessible hub offers valuable support to countries and organisations reviewing their own legislation.

The database highlights whether each country has a ban on conventional cages and indicates whether there is any other associated legislation or codes of practice in operation.

It also identifies three key welfare issues that specifically affect egg production – layer housing, beak trimming and the disposal of male chicks.

Countries currently included in the summary include Australia and its eight territories, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom and the United States.

The IEC’s Global Animal Welfare Summary database to all members can be found here.