EU
Broilers Directive
Summary Description
Sets minimum animal welfare standards in the production of broiler chickens by establishing limits on density on farms with more than 500 broiler chickens.
Topics
Species
Broiler chickens
Jurisdiction
EU
Sub-Jurisdiction
N/A
Type of Act
Legislation
Status
In force
Legal Value
Binding
Date Enacted
2007
Date Updated
June, 2023
Official Citation
Council Directive 2007/43 of 28 June 2007 Laying Down Minimum Rules for the Protection of Chickens Kept for Meat Production, 2007 O.J. (L 182) 19 - 28 (E.U.)
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- Establishes limits on density levels and adds requirements for two higher tiers of density levels.
- Imposes housing requirements: provision of dry litter, minimum intensity and duration of artificial light.
- Establishes minimum inspection rate (twice a day).
Weaknesses
- Limit on density level (33kg / m2) is neutralised by two sets of derogations (39 and 42kg / m2).
- The scope only includes commercial broiler chickens during the fattening stage and on farms with more than 500 animals.
- Allows beak trimming.
Related Laws/Policies
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