17 EU countries flouting pig sow stalls rules

A total of 17 out of 27 member states are still not fully compliant with the EU’s partial ban on stalls, according to latest figures.

The ban on the use of sow stalls in pig production came into force on 1 January, although the practice has been outlawed in the UK since 1999.

Ministers attending Farm Council on Monday (28 January) were given an update on whether the new rules are being fully implemented.

According to the National Pig Association, they were told that only 10 countries, including the United Kingdom were fully compliant with the new rules.

Of the significant pig producing countries, Germany, France and Ireland are reported to be least compliant.

Germany’s level of compliance is estimated at 73%, France’s at 72% and Ireland’s at 82%.

Denmark is understood to be 94% compliant and the Netherlands 98%.

EU health and consumer policy commissioner Tonio Borg said several member states were “still falling short” of full implementation.

“It is clear from these data that the non-compliant member states must now take strong and concerted actions to fall into line with EU animal welfare legislation,” he said.

DEFRA secretary Owen Paterson has called for called for vigorous action against countries that flout the EU sow stall ban.

However, Brussels has insisted it will take action against any member state that seeks to ban imports of pork and pork products produced outside the new rules.

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