title: [Animal welfare regulations for the conditions of raising and transporting farm animals].
abstract: The definition of keeping and transport conditions in conformity with animal welfare requirements should, as far as possible, be based on objective well-established scientific facts. Up to date, however, such facts have been available to a limited extent only, and this situation will be likely to persist for quite some time. Practical experience, feasibility considerations (reasonable reason) and subjective ethical standards of value cannot be left out of account. In order to improve animal welfare, but, at the same time, also in order to provide livestock farmers with the clearest possible guidelines and to avoid unnecessary distortions of competition it will be necessary to lay down legal minimum requirements for animal welfare. The Federal Government endeavours to meet its respective responsibilities both at national level and at the Council of Europe. At the same time, however, it has also successfully used its influence to get EC-wide provisions prepared and enacted. It will continue to persist in urging all those concerned to bring the consultations on the Commission's proposals to a conclusion as soon as possible. Further development of our existing legislation on animal welfare minimum requirements will, in particular, be necessary with regard to the keeping of laying hens in cages. In addition to the endeavours on the part of scientists, practical experience will play a special role for the further development of our modern animal husbandry systems, inter alia also such experience as is gained in the field of what is called "alternative keeping of farm animals".(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
authors.affiliation: Bundesministerium für Ernährung, Landwirtschaft und Forsten, Bonn.
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Baumgartner
mesh_terms: D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D000827:Animal Welfare / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D005860:Germany, West; D014186:Transportation / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*
vernacular_title: Tierschutzgerechte Haltungs- und Transportbedingungen für landwirtschaftliche Nutztiere.