Strong international call to Sweden’s Minister for Rural Affairs: Protect the right of cows to graze

A letter signed by 16 animal rights and animal welfare organizations calls on the Swedish Minister for Rural Affairs, Peter Kullgren, to defend the Swedish grazing requirement for cows.

Swedish politicians and the dairy industry have recently begun questioning the legal requirement for cows in loose housing systems to have access to pasture. This change would affect approximately 80 % of cows in Sweden’s dairy factories. In response, 16 animal rights and animal welfare organizations in Europe have sent a joint letter to the Minister for Rural Affairs, Peter Kullgren, urging him to uphold the legal right of Swedish cows to graze.

– Sweden’s animal welfare policies also play a significant role on the international stage, and the potential removal of the pasture requirement has caused widespread concern across Europe. For Sweden to maintain its standing as a player to be counted on in international animal welfare contexts, the Minister for Rural Affairs and the government must strengthen, rather than weaken, national animal welfare laws. Eliminating the legal pasture requirement would represent a step backwards in this regard, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

In the joint letter, the organizations emphasize that removing Sweden’s pasture requirement would send a strong message to the EU that animal welfare is not a priority in the country. This move would be detrimental, not only to the cows confined indoors, but also to broader efforts to strengthen the animal welfare legislation across the EU and globally.

Access to pasture is important for the welfare of cows, as recognised by numerous scientific studies. EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority, stated in 2023 that cows should have access to pasture because of the animal welfare benefits. In the letter, the organizations urge Peter Kullgren to defend the Swedish pasture requirement in order to protect animal welfare and preserve Sweden’s important role in international animal welfare efforts.

In addition to Project 1882, the letter is signed by animal rights and welfare organizations from Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Norway, France, Finland, Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia, Slovakia and Portugal, and by organizations that operate across several countries.

Swedish politicians and the dairy industry have recently begun questioning the legal requirement for cows in loose housing systems to have access to pasture. This change would affect approximately 80 % of cows in Sweden’s dairy factories. In response, 16 animal rights and animal welfare organizations in Europe have sent a joint letter to the Minister for Rural Affairs, Peter Kullgren, urging him to uphold the legal right of Swedish cows to graze.

– Sweden’s animal welfare policies also play a significant role on the international stage, and the potential removal of the pasture requirement has caused widespread concern across Europe. For Sweden to maintain its standing as a player to be counted on in international animal welfare contexts, the Minister for Rural Affairs and the government must strengthen, rather than weaken, national animal welfare laws. Eliminating the legal pasture requirement would represent a step backwards in this regard, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

In the joint letter, the organizations emphasize that removing Sweden’s pasture requirement would send a strong message to the EU that animal welfare is not a priority in the country. This move would be detrimental, not only to the cows confined indoors, but also to broader efforts to strengthen the animal welfare legislation across the EU and globally.

Access to pasture is important for the welfare of cows, as recognised by numerous scientific studies. EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority, stated in 2023 that cows should have access to pasture because of the animal welfare benefits. In the letter, the organizations urge Peter Kullgren to defend the Swedish pasture requirement in order to protect animal welfare and preserve Sweden’s important role in international animal welfare efforts.

In addition to Project 1882, the letter is signed by animal rights and welfare organizations from Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Norway, France, Finland, Bulgaria, Poland, Hungary, Lithuania, Latvia, Slovenia, Slovakia and Portugal, and by organizations that operate across several countries.

Support our work

Help us save lives!

Project 1882 strives for a world where every life matters. By supporting our work, you help make that vision become a reality.

Donate

https://act.project1882.org/1882/donation

Support our work

Help us save lives!

Project 1882 strives for a world where every life matters. By supporting our work, you help make that vision become a reality.

Donate

https://act.project1882.org/1882/donation

Linda Björklund

linda.bjorklund@djurensratt.se

0225-128 60

Politics

With effective campaigns and political advocacy, Project 1882 makes a difference globally for the animals that are the most exploited and suffer the worst.

EU Commissioner to prioritize animal welfare in new role

The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, has delivered exciting news: A commissioner will now have animal welfare as part of their title. This marks a significant achievement for Project 1882, as it ensures that animals will gain a stronger and more prominent voice within the EU.

In October 2023, Project 1882, alongside other animal rights organizations, delivered 309,897 signatures to the European Commission as part of the “EU for Animals” campaign. To ensure animal welfare remains a priority in future EU policies, Project 1882 advocated for the formal creation of an animal protection commissioner. Now, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced that this will become a reality: an EU commissioner will officially hold the title “Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare” replacing the former “Commissioner for Health and Food Safety”.

– Having a commissioner with animal welfare in their title marks a significant step forward in elevating the status of animals within the EU. While the title itself carries symbolic weight – something that should not be underestimated – it also paves the way for greater resources to support animal welfare initiatives and provides clearer avenues for accountability, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

In the fall of 2023, the European Commission was expected to present a comprehensive review of the EU’s animal welfare legislation, which was set to include proposals in four key areas: how animals are kept, transportation, slaughter, and labeling of animal products in stores. However, of these anticipated measures, only the proposals on transportation were introduced, and they fell short of expectations. This highlights the high stakes for animal welfare in the upcoming term, making clear and dedicated responsibility for animal issues a crucial first step.

– This is a historic breakthrough in our work for animal rights in the EU, and it shows that our persistent advocacy efforts are making a real difference. I want to extend a big thank you to everyone who supported the campaign and made this success possible. Thanks to your commitment, the animals of Europe now have a chance for a better future, concludes Benny Andersson.

In October 2023, Project 1882, alongside other animal rights organizations, delivered 309,897 signatures to the European Commission as part of the “EU for Animals” campaign. To ensure animal welfare remains a priority in future EU policies, Project 1882 advocated for the formal creation of an animal protection commissioner. Now, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced that this will become a reality: an EU commissioner will officially hold the title “Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare” replacing the former “Commissioner for Health and Food Safety”.

– Having a commissioner with animal welfare in their title marks a significant step forward in elevating the status of animals within the EU. While the title itself carries symbolic weight – something that should not be underestimated – it also paves the way for greater resources to support animal welfare initiatives and provides clearer avenues for accountability, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

In the fall of 2023, the European Commission was expected to present a comprehensive review of the EU’s animal welfare legislation, which was set to include proposals in four key areas: how animals are kept, transportation, slaughter, and labeling of animal products in stores. However, of these anticipated measures, only the proposals on transportation were introduced, and they fell short of expectations. This highlights the high stakes for animal welfare in the upcoming term, making clear and dedicated responsibility for animal issues a crucial first step.

– This is a historic breakthrough in our work for animal rights in the EU, and it shows that our persistent advocacy efforts are making a real difference. I want to extend a big thank you to everyone who supported the campaign and made this success possible. Thanks to your commitment, the animals of Europe now have a chance for a better future, concludes Benny Andersson.

Sign the petition

European Commission: Keep your promises to the animals

It's time to improve European animal welfare.

Sign the petition

European Commission: Keep your promises to the animals

https://act.project1882.org/1882/donation

Sign the petition

European Commission: Keep your promises to the animals

It's time to improve European animal welfare.

Sign the petition

European Commission: Keep your promises to the animals

https://act.project1882.org/1882/donation

Nanna Thydén

Politics

With effective campaigns and political advocacy, Project 1882 makes a difference globally for the animals that are the most exploited and suffer the worst.

Swedish cows’ unique grazing rights are under threat

By law, cows in Sweden must be able to graze outside in the summer. In 2023, however, the Swedish government initiated an inquiry tasked with, among other things, examining whether the grazing requirement for cows should be upheld or not. Despite the advantages the grazing requirement offers for animal welfare, the result of the inquiry published yesterday still proposes abolishing the grazing requirement – something that Project 1882 strongly opposes.

When Swedish author Astrid Lindgren turned 80, the Social Democratic government at the time gave her a new animal welfare law as a birthday gift. While Astrid found the new law lacking in many areas, she was pleased that it mandated cows to graze during the summer. However, with yesterday’s announcement – that the investigation proposes eliminating cows’ grazing rights – something long seen as a cornerstone of Swedish animal welfare could become history.

– This is a sad day for Swedish animal welfare. Sweden’s animal welfare law states that animals have the right to express their natural behaviors, so the right to graze shouldn’t even be up for discussion. Yet, I am never surprised by what some decision-makers are willing to do in the name of profit-seeking, said Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

The grazing right means that all cattle over six months old, except bulls, must be given the opportunity to graze during the summer. Among the political parties in the Swedish parliament, only the Christian Democrats have actively proposed abolishing the grazing requirement, supported by major organizations like the Federation of Swedish Farmers (LRF). Växa Sverige, a member of LRF, is conducting a study where 1,500 cows have been kept indoors for 18 months to study if and how animal welfare is affected when cows are not allowed to graze. They referenced the inquiry in their application.

– Anyone who has seen cows grazing understands that it is a part of their natural behavior and something they benefit from and need, whether they are kept tied up or in free-stall housing outside of the grazing season. This has also been demonstrated in research. Project 1882 is working to ensure that the grazing requirement is retained for all cows and extended to include calves and bulls. The grazing requirement should be developed, not dismantled, and it is clear that there is strong public support for this, said Benny Andersson.

What has happened is that the inquirer has submitted her report, proposing that the grazing right should be removed for all cows kept in free-stall housing, which accounts for eight out of ten cows in Sweden’s dairy industry. Whether the Swedish government chooses to proceed with the proposal remains to be seen.

– I now expect the political parties that care about Swedish animal welfare to raise their voices strongly, and I hope that the government coalition parties that did not push for this investigation will have the courage to put a stop to it now, concludes Benny Andersson.

When Swedish author Astrid Lindgren turned 80, the Social Democratic government at the time gave her a new animal welfare law as a birthday gift. While Astrid found the new law lacking in many areas, she was pleased that it mandated cows to graze during the summer. However, with yesterday’s announcement – that the investigation proposes eliminating cows’ grazing rights – something long seen as a cornerstone of Swedish animal welfare could become history.

– This is a sad day for Swedish animal welfare. Sweden’s animal welfare law states that animals have the right to express their natural behaviors, so the right to graze shouldn’t even be up for discussion. Yet, I am never surprised by what some decision-makers are willing to do in the name of profit-seeking, said Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

The grazing right means that all cattle over six months old, except bulls, must be given the opportunity to graze during the summer. Among the political parties in the Swedish parliament, only the Christian Democrats have actively proposed abolishing the grazing requirement, supported by major organizations like the Federation of Swedish Farmers (LRF). Växa Sverige, a member of LRF, is conducting a study where 1,500 cows have been kept indoors for 18 months to study if and how animal welfare is affected when cows are not allowed to graze. They referenced the inquiry in their application.

– Anyone who has seen cows grazing understands that it is a part of their natural behavior and something they benefit from and need, whether they are kept tied up or in free-stall housing outside of the grazing season. This has also been demonstrated in research. Project 1882 is working to ensure that the grazing requirement is retained for all cows and extended to include calves and bulls. The grazing requirement should be developed, not dismantled, and it is clear that there is strong public support for this, said Benny Andersson.

What has happened is that the inquirer has submitted her report, proposing that the grazing right should be removed for all cows kept in free-stall housing, which accounts for eight out of ten cows in Sweden’s dairy industry. Whether the Swedish government chooses to proceed with the proposal remains to be seen.

– I now expect the political parties that care about Swedish animal welfare to raise their voices strongly, and I hope that the government coalition parties that did not push for this investigation will have the courage to put a stop to it now, concludes Benny Andersson.

Support our work

We make a difference

Project 1882 strives for a world where every life matters. By supporting our work, you help make that vision become a reality.

Donate

https://act.project1882.org/1882/donation

Support our work

We make a difference

Project 1882 strives for a world where every life matters. By supporting our work, you help make that vision become a reality.

Donate

https://act.project1882.org/1882/donation

Nanna Thydén

Politics

With effective campaigns and political advocacy, Project 1882 makes a difference globally for the animals that are the most exploited and suffer the worst.

Millions of homeless dogs at risk of being euthanized in Turkey

Millions of homeless dogs are at risk of being euthanized in Turkey following the passage of a new bill by the Turkish parliament. The new law has sparked strong reactions, and Project 1882 condemns the parliament’s decision.

Today, the Turkish parliament passed a law allowing the euthanasia of homeless dogs and cats that are sick or display “negative behavior”. The law also mandates the immediate collection of animals without owners. According to the new legislation, municipalities must build animal shelters by 2028. However, Project 1882 argues that these shelters will likely be insufficient to handle the large number of homeless animals.

– It is deeply concerning that Turkey has passed this law. Instead, the focus should be on sustainable solutions such as spaying, neutering, and rehoming the animals, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

The legislation has been met with widespread protests and demonstrations across the country. However, Turkey’s government has threatened mayors with imprisonment if they do not comply with the new law. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claims that the mass culling is necessary to prevent a rabies epidemic.

– We hope that Turkey listens to its citizens and animal rights organizations worldwide. The animals living in homelessness deserve a chance at a new home, says Benny Andersson.

A similar event occurred in 2022 when Turkey aimed to gather and euthanize the country’s homeless dogs. Project 1882 condemned this proposal and sent a letter to the Turkish embassy. Once again, Project 1882 appeals to stop the mass killings and instead focus on spaying, neutering, and rehoming the dogs.

Today, the Turkish parliament passed a law allowing the euthanasia of homeless dogs and cats that are sick or display “negative behavior”. The law also mandates the immediate collection of animals without owners. According to the new legislation, municipalities must build animal shelters by 2028. However, Project 1882 argues that these shelters will likely be insufficient to handle the large number of homeless animals.

– It is deeply concerning that Turkey has passed this law. Instead, the focus should be on sustainable solutions such as spaying, neutering, and rehoming the animals, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

The legislation has been met with widespread protests and demonstrations across the country. However, Turkey’s government has threatened mayors with imprisonment if they do not comply with the new law. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan claims that the mass culling is necessary to prevent a rabies epidemic.

– We hope that Turkey listens to its citizens and animal rights organizations worldwide. The animals living in homelessness deserve a chance at a new home, says Benny Andersson.

A similar event occurred in 2022 when Turkey aimed to gather and euthanize the country’s homeless dogs. Project 1882 condemned this proposal and sent a letter to the Turkish embassy. Once again, Project 1882 appeals to stop the mass killings and instead focus on spaying, neutering, and rehoming the dogs.

Support our work

We make a difference

Project 1882 strives for a world where every life matters. By supporting our work, you help make that vision become a reality.

Donate

https://act.project1882.org/1882/donation

Support our work

We make a difference

Project 1882 strives for a world where every life matters. By supporting our work, you help make that vision become a reality.

Donate

https://act.project1882.org/1882/donation

Nanna Thydén

Politics

With effective campaigns and political advocacy, Project 1882 makes a difference globally for the animals that are the most exploited and suffer the worst.

Dogs

Animals living with humans should be treated as beloved family members according to the needs of the animals. Project 1882 urges everyone thinking of sharing their homes with animals to adopt homeless individuals from shelters or organisations.

Project 1882 calls on the President of Taiwan to take action after 6.5 tons of shark fins caught on Taiwanese vessel

In June, a Taiwanese vessel was caught with 6.5 tons of illegally caught shark fins on board. The sharks' bodies were not found on board the vessel. Shark finning is a brutal process, the sharks are caught and finned, mainly far out at sea, and the method is practiced globally. Most often this is done while the shark is still alive, the dismembered body is then thrown into the sea to meet an agonizing death. Based on the weight of fins found on the vessel, approximately 2,000 to 3,000 sharks have been killed.

The Taiwanese vessel Jin Maan Fa No. 66, where the shark fins were discovered, has previously been sanctioned in 2021 for similar fishing violations. The punishment they received was a fine of 5 million Taiwanese dollars, equivalent to approximately 140 000 euros, and the vessel had their fishing license suspended for 16 months.

– The penalty the vessel received in 2021 was not enough. Shark finning causes immense suffering to the sharks, who suffer an agonizing death. Project 1882 therefore wants to see zero tolerance against shark finning in Taiwan and an amendment to the law to introduce a total fishing ban against the vessel, says Camilla Bergvall, head chairman for Project 1882.

Taiwan was the first country in Asia to ban shark finning, and the Fisheries Agencies has repeatedly stated that it has zero tolerance for illegal shark finning. Despite claiming zero tolerance, Taiwanese law requires vessels to commit the same offense at least twice within a year or three times within a period before their license is permanently revoked. As a result, the license of Jin Maan Fa no. 66 not to be revoked despite repeated and willful violations of Taiwan's ban on shark finning.

Project 1882 now wants to see a zero tolerance against shark finning in Taiwan and a total fishing ban for this vessel.

Therefore, in response to this, Project 1882 has signed an open letter to the President of Taiwan. The President has previously called on his government to change existing regulations, to implement and zero-tolerance policy against shark finning. The president also wants to implement an immediate revocation of fishing licenses after the first violation. Project 1882 therefore calls on the President of Taiwan to carry out the implementation and ensure its completion.

Sharks have existed for over 400 million years and play a vital role in marine ecosystems. Sharks are incredibly intelligent, they have, among other things, more senses than humans. They have a sixth sense called the “electric sense”. It’s in the skin and allows the shark to sense the presence of other living creatures even though they are out of sight. Due to human overexploitation, many shark species are now threatened with extinction.

Support our work

Donate

Project 1882 makes a difference globally for the animals that are the most exploited and suffer the worst.

Donate here

https://act.project1882.org/1882/donation

The Taiwanese vessel Jin Maan Fa No. 66, where the shark fins were discovered, has previously been sanctioned in 2021 for similar fishing violations. The punishment they received was a fine of 5 million Taiwanese dollars, equivalent to approximately 140 000 euros, and the vessel had their fishing license suspended for 16 months.

– The penalty the vessel received in 2021 was not enough. Shark finning causes immense suffering to the sharks, who suffer an agonizing death. Project 1882 therefore wants to see zero tolerance against shark finning in Taiwan and an amendment to the law to introduce a total fishing ban against the vessel, says Camilla Bergvall, head chairman for Project 1882.

Taiwan was the first country in Asia to ban shark finning, and the Fisheries Agencies has repeatedly stated that it has zero tolerance for illegal shark finning. Despite claiming zero tolerance, Taiwanese law requires vessels to commit the same offense at least twice within a year or three times within a period before their license is permanently revoked. As a result, the license of Jin Maan Fa no. 66 not to be revoked despite repeated and willful violations of Taiwan's ban on shark finning.

Project 1882 now wants to see a zero tolerance against shark finning in Taiwan and a total fishing ban for this vessel.

Therefore, in response to this, Project 1882 has signed an open letter to the President of Taiwan. The President has previously called on his government to change existing regulations, to implement and zero-tolerance policy against shark finning. The president also wants to implement an immediate revocation of fishing licenses after the first violation. Project 1882 therefore calls on the President of Taiwan to carry out the implementation and ensure its completion.

Sharks have existed for over 400 million years and play a vital role in marine ecosystems. Sharks are incredibly intelligent, they have, among other things, more senses than humans. They have a sixth sense called the “electric sense”. It’s in the skin and allows the shark to sense the presence of other living creatures even though they are out of sight. Due to human overexploitation, many shark species are now threatened with extinction.

Support our work

Donate

Project 1882 makes a difference globally for the animals that are the most exploited and suffer the worst.

Donate here

https://act.project1882.org/1882/donation

Moa Oja Lindblad

Politics

With effective campaigns and political advocacy, Project 1882 makes a difference globally for the animals that are the most exploited and suffer the worst.

New report: Animal welfare worth talking about

A recent report from Project 1882 outlines strategies to enhance animal welfare in Sweden and promote advancements all across the EU. The report offers targeted policy recommendations for hens, pigs, chickens, and cattle, alongside initiatives to support plant-based innovations.

The Swedish government has initiated an inquiry to examine the potential abolition of grazing rights. Project 1882 critiques the inquiry’s direction and fears that it may lead to the abolition of grazing rights and a broader trend of legislative “flexibility”. Our latest report puts forward proactive measures to advocate for animal welfare. Project 1882 aims for our proposals to influence the government’s decision-making process amidst the ongoing inquiry.

– It is truly concerning that the government is considering a regression in animal welfare standards in Sweden. With the EU elections looming, politicians must take decisive action and champion stronger animal protection measures domestically and internationally, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

One of the biggest animal welfare problems in Sweden are the chicken factories where over 100 million chickens are killed every year. Project 1882’s report highlights Sweden’s large-scale chicken factories, overcrowding, and the high proportion of Frankenchickens compared to other EU countries. According to researchers, such chicken factories are vulnerable to the food supply, while causing great suffering to the animals.

Measures identified in the report include banning the breeding of Frankenchickens, banning the caging of hens and working for better animal welfare in the EU. Grazing rights and pre-testing of new buildings, which were identified as risky for competitiveness in the government commission, need to be maintained. At the same time, Project 1882 believes that more plant-based innovation is needed to create new jobs and a more sustainable agriculture in Sweden.

– The report published today by Project 1882 shows that animal factories are unsustainable, and that the government needs to act in favour of stronger animal welfare and more plant-based innovations, which would also be good for competitiveness, concludes Benny Andersson.

Urgent political measures

1. Prohibit all caged animal farming in the food industry

2. Increase animal protection for chickens by, for example, banning the breeding of fast-growing Frankenchickens and phasing out public procurement of chicken meat from such breeding

3. Maintain and promote the expansion of grazing rights

4. Maintain and promote the system of pre-approval for animal barns

5. Redirect subsidies from meat and dairy production to promote Swedish cultivation and processing of plant-based proteins

The Swedish government has initiated an inquiry to examine the potential abolition of grazing rights. Project 1882 critiques the inquiry’s direction and fears that it may lead to the abolition of grazing rights and a broader trend of legislative “flexibility”. Our latest report puts forward proactive measures to advocate for animal welfare. Project 1882 aims for our proposals to influence the government’s decision-making process amidst the ongoing inquiry.

– It is truly concerning that the government is considering a regression in animal welfare standards in Sweden. With the EU elections looming, politicians must take decisive action and champion stronger animal protection measures domestically and internationally, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

One of the biggest animal welfare problems in Sweden are the chicken factories where over 100 million chickens are killed every year. Project 1882’s report highlights Sweden’s large-scale chicken factories, overcrowding, and the high proportion of Frankenchickens compared to other EU countries. According to researchers, such chicken factories are vulnerable to the food supply, while causing great suffering to the animals.

Measures identified in the report include banning the breeding of Frankenchickens, banning the caging of hens and working for better animal welfare in the EU. Grazing rights and pre-testing of new buildings, which were identified as risky for competitiveness in the government commission, need to be maintained. At the same time, Project 1882 believes that more plant-based innovation is needed to create new jobs and a more sustainable agriculture in Sweden.

– The report published today by Project 1882 shows that animal factories are unsustainable, and that the government needs to act in favour of stronger animal welfare and more plant-based innovations, which would also be good for competitiveness, concludes Benny Andersson.

Urgent political measures

1. Prohibit all caged animal farming in the food industry

2. Increase animal protection for chickens by, for example, banning the breeding of fast-growing Frankenchickens and phasing out public procurement of chicken meat from such breeding

3. Maintain and promote the expansion of grazing rights

4. Maintain and promote the system of pre-approval for animal barns

5. Redirect subsidies from meat and dairy production to promote Swedish cultivation and processing of plant-based proteins

Support our work

Help us save lives!

Project 1882 strives for a world where every life matters. By supporting our work, you help make that vision become a reality.

Donate

https://act.project1882.org/donation/int

Support our work

Help us save lives!

Project 1882 strives for a world where every life matters. By supporting our work, you help make that vision become a reality.

Donate

https://act.project1882.org/donation/int

Nanna Thydén

Politics

With effective campaigns and political advocacy, Project 1882 makes a difference globally for the animals that are the most exploited and suffer the worst.

Chickens

More chickens are bred and killed for their meat than any other species of land animals. The growth-oriented breeding has led to chickens growing so fast it hurts them. It doesn’t have to be this way. Project 1882 is working actively to ensure better conditions for chickens and to reduce the killing.

Parliamentary seminar on the chicken industry – What can Sweden learn from Denmark?

On Wednesday, Project 1882 organized a seminar in cooperation with the Swedish Parliamentary Animal Welfare Forum. The parliamentary seminar focused on the welfare of chickens and among the invited speakers were Carl Valentin, member of the Danish Parliament, and Professor Linda Keeling from SLU.

On May 22, Carl Valentin, Member of the Danish Parliament, visited a parliamentary seminar in Sweden to talk about the broad agreement on animal welfare reached this year between the Danish government and the other Danish parties. The agreement's 31 initiatives include a phase-out of frankenchickens in government procurement, and that Denmark will work towards a ban at EU level. Carl Valentin belongs to the Socialist People's Party (SF). Among other things, he is the spokesperson for animal welfare issues and has been the driving force behind the development of the policy on chickens that the Danish Parliament now supports. The parliamentary seminar was organized by Project 1882 together with the Parliamentary Animal Welfare Forum and was mainly attended by Swedish members of parliament.

– I am pleased to have been invited. It is an important issue, and my view is that the use of frankenchickens must stop. It is a completely substandard way of keeping animals, said Carl Valentin (SF), Member of the Danish Parliament. 

 The second speaker at the seminar was Linda Keeling, Professor of Animal Welfare at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). She spoke about the work on scientific recommendations for chicken farming that has been developed by EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority. 

During the seminar, Project 1882 outlined the measures they want to see and presented five policy priorities to improve the welfare of chickens. The Swedish Animal Welfare Act states that animals should have the right to their natural behavior, be treated well and protected from suffering and disease. But today's intensive farming of frankenchickens, which grow from 40 grams to two kilos in 35 days, has many problems. This has become clear, among other things, in a Project 1882 review of animal welfare controls and in Swedish media.

– It is important to learn and be inspired by countries that have dared to lead the way. We had good discussions during the seminar and hope that a majority will be formed in the Swedish Parliament to phase out the use of frankenchickens, says Sebastian Wiklund, Director of Public Affairs at Project 1882. 

Five policy priorities

Ban the use and breeding of frankenchickens.

Act to phase out the breeding of frankenchickens in the EU and to speed up the revision of animal welfare legislation.

Set requirements for government procurement of chicken meat.

Ensure that the competent authority has sufficient resources to implement the Animal Welfare Act.

Promote the production of plant-based alternatives to chicken meat.

On May 22, Carl Valentin, Member of the Danish Parliament, visited a parliamentary seminar in Sweden to talk about the broad agreement on animal welfare reached this year between the Danish government and the other Danish parties. The agreement's 31 initiatives include a phase-out of frankenchickens in government procurement, and that Denmark will work towards a ban at EU level. Carl Valentin belongs to the Socialist People's Party (SF). Among other things, he is the spokesperson for animal welfare issues and has been the driving force behind the development of the policy on chickens that the Danish Parliament now supports. The parliamentary seminar was organized by Project 1882 together with the Parliamentary Animal Welfare Forum and was mainly attended by Swedish members of parliament.

– I am pleased to have been invited. It is an important issue, and my view is that the use of frankenchickens must stop. It is a completely substandard way of keeping animals, said Carl Valentin (SF), Member of the Danish Parliament. 

 The second speaker at the seminar was Linda Keeling, Professor of Animal Welfare at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU). She spoke about the work on scientific recommendations for chicken farming that has been developed by EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority. 

During the seminar, Project 1882 outlined the measures they want to see and presented five policy priorities to improve the welfare of chickens. The Swedish Animal Welfare Act states that animals should have the right to their natural behavior, be treated well and protected from suffering and disease. But today's intensive farming of frankenchickens, which grow from 40 grams to two kilos in 35 days, has many problems. This has become clear, among other things, in a Project 1882 review of animal welfare controls and in Swedish media.

– It is important to learn and be inspired by countries that have dared to lead the way. We had good discussions during the seminar and hope that a majority will be formed in the Swedish Parliament to phase out the use of frankenchickens, says Sebastian Wiklund, Director of Public Affairs at Project 1882. 

Five policy priorities

Ban the use and breeding of frankenchickens.

Act to phase out the breeding of frankenchickens in the EU and to speed up the revision of animal welfare legislation.

Set requirements for government procurement of chicken meat.

Ensure that the competent authority has sufficient resources to implement the Animal Welfare Act.

Promote the production of plant-based alternatives to chicken meat.

Anna Harenius

anna.harenius@djurensratt.se

Politics

With effective campaigns and political advocacy, Project 1882 makes a difference globally for the animals that are the most exploited and suffer the worst.

Chickens

More chickens are bred and killed for their meat than any other species of land animals. The growth-oriented breeding has led to chickens growing so fast it hurts them. It doesn’t have to be this way. Project 1882 is working actively to ensure better conditions for chickens and to reduce the killing.

Project 1882 adopts historic promise to animals

For two days, Project 1882 took part in the World Federation for Animals (WFA) annual meeting. Several important issues were discussed, including our collective efforts to make a change for the animals that are the most exploited and suffer the worst.

Discussions included crucial topics such as the recognition of animals as sentient beings in global policy documents, the integration of animal welfare into pandemic prevention strategies, and acknowledging animal factories as a contributing factor to antibiotic overuse.

During the meeting, we also adopted a historic pledge for animals and our future. This document recognizes the major crises facing the world today and shows how animal welfare is a key building block in solving them.

– Our sister organizations certainly share our passion for creating a world where animals are respected. Effecting such a transformation demands genuine dedication, and it’s clear that we’ve made significant strides in that direction, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882 and board member of the WFA.

Project 1882 has collaborated with the WFA on various global issues, resulting in significant impacts. In recent years, for instance, we successfully advocated for the UN to adopt a resolution acknowledging that animal welfare contributes to addressing environmental challenges, advancing public health, and attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN Environment Programme is expected to examine these connections in a forthcoming report to be presented at the UN Environment Assembly.

Moving forward, Project 1882 remains committed to advocating for the inclusion of the animal perspective in the SDGs. Presently, it can be contended that improved animal welfare aligns with the UN’s sustainability goals. However, without explicit acknowledgment, animals face the risk of being overlooked once again.

– As a part of Project 1882, you are making a big difference for animals on a global level. Without your support, this effort would not be possible, Benny Andersson concludes.

Project 1882 played a pivotal role in the establishment of the World Federation for Animals in 2021 and has held a seat on the board ever since. Today, the World Federation for Animals comprises over 60 member organizations from all continents.

Discussions included crucial topics such as the recognition of animals as sentient beings in global policy documents, the integration of animal welfare into pandemic prevention strategies, and acknowledging animal factories as a contributing factor to antibiotic overuse.

During the meeting, we also adopted a historic pledge for animals and our future. This document recognizes the major crises facing the world today and shows how animal welfare is a key building block in solving them.

– Our sister organizations certainly share our passion for creating a world where animals are respected. Effecting such a transformation demands genuine dedication, and it’s clear that we’ve made significant strides in that direction, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882 and board member of the WFA.

Project 1882 has collaborated with the WFA on various global issues, resulting in significant impacts. In recent years, for instance, we successfully advocated for the UN to adopt a resolution acknowledging that animal welfare contributes to addressing environmental challenges, advancing public health, and attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The UN Environment Programme is expected to examine these connections in a forthcoming report to be presented at the UN Environment Assembly.

Moving forward, Project 1882 remains committed to advocating for the inclusion of the animal perspective in the SDGs. Presently, it can be contended that improved animal welfare aligns with the UN’s sustainability goals. However, without explicit acknowledgment, animals face the risk of being overlooked once again.

– As a part of Project 1882, you are making a big difference for animals on a global level. Without your support, this effort would not be possible, Benny Andersson concludes.

Project 1882 played a pivotal role in the establishment of the World Federation for Animals in 2021 and has held a seat on the board ever since. Today, the World Federation for Animals comprises over 60 member organizations from all continents.

Support our work

Help us save lives!

Project 1882 strives for a world where every life matters. By supporting our work, you help make that vision become a reality.

Donate

https://act.project1882.org/donation/int

Support our work

Help us save lives!

Project 1882 strives for a world where every life matters. By supporting our work, you help make that vision become a reality.

Donate

https://act.project1882.org/donation/int

Nanna Thydén

Politics

With effective campaigns and political advocacy, Project 1882 makes a difference globally for the animals that are the most exploited and suffer the worst.

EU proposal on animal transport leaves more to be desired

On Thursday November 7th, the European Commission presented proposals for legislation on animal transport. The proposals include limits on transportation times, maximum temperatures and digital tools for tracking and tracing, and apart from a few glimmers of hope, the expectations of real improvements for the animals are small.

The legislative proposals on animal transport represent one of four legislative packages promised by the European Commission to be presented during 2023, but they have still not set a timeline for the other three – proposals for kept animals, slaughter and animal welfare labelling. To hold the European Commission accountable for this betrayal of Project 1882 recently submitted an official complaint to the European Ombudsman.

As the transport proposals were the only one of these four packages to make it all the way through, hopes were that these proposals would have been more ambitious than the draft that leaked last spring. This was not the case. For example, a proposal that could have made a huge difference - banning the export of live animals to third countries - was not included.

- It is very unfortunate that the European Commission is missing this opportunity to make major improvements for animals. Scandals of overheated animals in trucks and starving animals on drifting ships are a matter of great concern to EU citizens. It is truly regrettable that the Commission does not take more responsibility for this suffering, said Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

Otherwise, it is an inconsistent adaptation to the recommendations of the latest scientific opinions from EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority. In addition, some of the demands of ANIT, the European Parliament's committee on animal transport, have been ignored.

There are some positive elements, including shorter maximum travelling times for most species, updated rules on space, mandatory real-time traceability for all road transport and a minimum age of five weeks for the transport of unweaned calves.

- Although the proposals leave more to be desired, we are pleased that this was not postponed in the same way as the other legislative packages. We will now continue our work to ensure that the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers strengthen these proposals even more in the upcoming legislative process, Benny Andersson concludes.

The legislative proposals on animal transport represent one of four legislative packages promised by the European Commission to be presented during 2023, but they have still not set a timeline for the other three – proposals for kept animals, slaughter and animal welfare labelling. To hold the European Commission accountable for this betrayal of Project 1882 recently submitted an official complaint to the European Ombudsman.

As the transport proposals were the only one of these four packages to make it all the way through, hopes were that these proposals would have been more ambitious than the draft that leaked last spring. This was not the case. For example, a proposal that could have made a huge difference - banning the export of live animals to third countries - was not included.

- It is very unfortunate that the European Commission is missing this opportunity to make major improvements for animals. Scandals of overheated animals in trucks and starving animals on drifting ships are a matter of great concern to EU citizens. It is truly regrettable that the Commission does not take more responsibility for this suffering, said Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

Otherwise, it is an inconsistent adaptation to the recommendations of the latest scientific opinions from EFSA, the European Food Safety Authority. In addition, some of the demands of ANIT, the European Parliament's committee on animal transport, have been ignored.

There are some positive elements, including shorter maximum travelling times for most species, updated rules on space, mandatory real-time traceability for all road transport and a minimum age of five weeks for the transport of unweaned calves.

- Although the proposals leave more to be desired, we are pleased that this was not postponed in the same way as the other legislative packages. We will now continue our work to ensure that the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers strengthen these proposals even more in the upcoming legislative process, Benny Andersson concludes.

Support us

Support our work for the animals

Project 1882 strives for a world where every life matters. By supporting our work, you help make that vision become a reality.

Donate

https://act.project1882.org/donation/int

Support us

Support our work for the animals

Project 1882 strives for a world where every life matters. By supporting our work, you help make that vision become a reality.

Donate

https://act.project1882.org/donation/int

Matilda Antti

Politics

With effective campaigns and political advocacy, Project 1882 makes a difference globally for the animals that are the most exploited and suffer the worst.

EU

Decision-making processes at EU-level can be difficult and time-consuming, but these decisions also represent a chance to make a real difference for billions of animals. Project 1882 follows processes and exerts influence by, among other things, contacting Swedish members of the European Parliament, Swedish ministers and the Committee on EU Affairs.

Ursula von der Leyen, #DeliverTheProposal!

Work on new EU animal welfare legislation has been underway for several years and is supposed to be a long-awaited upgrade from the current outdated legislation. But characterised by poor planning and unclear communication, the Commission now seems to be breaking its promise to citizens and animals. Today, 11 October, European animal lovers are calling on Ursula von der Leyen to #DeliverTheProposal, both through events in Brussels and digitally. Join the call for action!

Make your voice heard

Join the call for action!

Send an email to ask Ursula von der Leyen to deliver the animal welfare proposal.

Act here

https://www.eurogroupforanimals.org/delivertheproposal

Make your voice heard

Join the call for action!

Send an email to ask Ursula von der Leyen to deliver the animal welfare proposal.

Act here

https://www.eurogroupforanimals.org/delivertheproposal

The EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen gave her annual State of the Union speech in mid-September. The speech gave cause for concern since the new pending legislative proposals were not mentioned. And even before the speech, there has been speculation that von der Leyen would choose to deviate from the original plan to present the proposals in 2023.

There has since been a lack of clear communication from the Commission, but after being pressed for answers by members of the European Parliament, Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič revealed that the transport legislation will be presented in December. However, the other areas - regulation on kept animals, slaughter and transport - will have to wait.

– It is very worrying that the Commission seems to be giving in to pressure from lobbying organisations. If the new legislation continues to be delayed and undermined, it would be a betrayal of the billions of animals affected, but also of the many EU citizens who have made their voices heard in favour of stronger animal protection, says Benny Andersson, CEO of Project 1882.

Join the call for action!

The Commission's work programme will be adopted next week. It is of utmost importance that the new animal welfare legislation in its entirety is included there. Join us and put pressure on the Commission, led by Ursula von der Leyen, by sending a letter from a pre-written template.

Matilda Antti

Politics

With effective campaigns and political advocacy, Project 1882 makes a difference globally for the animals that are the most exploited and suffer the worst.

EU

Decision-making processes at EU-level can be difficult and time-consuming, but these decisions also represent a chance to make a real difference for billions of animals. Project 1882 follows processes and exerts influence by, among other things, contacting Swedish members of the European Parliament, Swedish ministers and the Committee on EU Affairs.

Politics

Latest news