Ministry insufficiently protects animal welfare in the meat sector: 'Money is the focus'

An advisory committee commissioned by the ministry concludes that current animal welfare regulations are insufficiently protective and often unclear. Companies prioritize animal welfare only when it does not incur high costs or hinder production. The ministry also faces criticism for not acting decisively enough and leaving too much responsibility to the sector. The committee emphasizes that animal welfare protection lags behind food safety and animal health. In response, State Secretary Silvio Erkens plans to develop an improvement program for the entire meat supply chain, from farm to slaughterhouse.