All French pig and poultry farms will soon have to have an “
animal welfare
” referent required to undergo training attesting to the acquisition of knowledge in the matter, according to a decree published on Wednesday in the Official Journal. "
As of January 1, 2022, all farms of domestic animals (production animals, companions, equines) and wild animals tamed or held in captivity will have to appoint a referent in charge of animal welfare
", specifies the Ministry of Agriculture in a press release. According to the decree, “ the
“
animal welfare
”
referent
can be the farm manager himself or a person he designates from among his staff
”.
Read also Foie gras: is duck farming still "industrial"?
In the case of pig and poultry farms, this referent must undergo specific training.
"
The referents appointed within pig or poultry farms will have six months from January 1, 2022 to begin the training course, and will have 18 months to complete it
", indicates the ministry, according to which "
certain training courses followed previously may be recognized as part of the training course
”.
"
In other sectors (cattle, sheep ...) not covered to date by the obligation, training in animal welfare can be followed on a voluntary basis by the referents
", it added in the press release.
"
Against those who would like to cast shame on an entire profession in defiance of the realities of practices, the world of breeding shows us once again that it is fully engaged in transitions
", says Minister Julien Denormandie, quoted in the press release.