Have your say: Why your voice matters for farmed animals in the EU

The European Commission is considering modernising its on-farm animal welfare legislation for the first time in decades. This is a rare and crucial opportunity to demand stronger, modern, and humane standards for the hundreds of millions of animals raised for food each year in the EU.

Public consultations directly influence what the Commission proposes. When many citizens and organisations speak up, the Commission listens — and history proves it. The commitment to phase -out cages in the EU came about because people participated in a European Citizens’ Initiative. Now, with this consultation, we can help ensure the Commission follows through and delivers real progress.

Why this consultation is so important

1. Current EU rules are outdated 

Existing legislation does not guarantee that farmed animals can express natural behaviour — a core pillar of good welfare. Many species are still kept in highly restrictive systems that cannot meet their behavioural and physiological needs. 

2. The EU is considering a phase-out of cages 

Cages and crates are still used extensively across the EU. Science is clear: These systems prevent animals from moving freely, socialising normally, or performing natural behaviour. The Commission’s own analysis confirms that the legislation is no longer fit for its purpose. 

3. Technology now exists to stop the killing of day-old chicks 

Millions of male chicks are killed every year in the laying-hen sector. Affordable in-ovo sexing technologies mean this cruel practice can finally end. 

4. Farmers need support — and your input can help secure it 

To transition away from cages and crates, farmers will need EU and national funding, technical guidance, and peer-to-peer support. Strong public backing helps ensure these measures are prioritised. 

5. Fair trade requires equivalent standards 

Consumers increasingly want assurances that all animal products sold in the EU meet the same welfare requirements — including imports. This is essential for transparency and fairness. 

6. Better enforcement through animal-based indicators 

The Commission is evaluating how to improve monitoring using animal-based indicators — direct measures of behaviour, injury or health. These must complement, not replace, higher-welfare housing requirements.

What we are calling for

• End caged confinement for all species kept for food production.
• Ban the systematic killing of day-old male chicks by requiring available in-ovo sexing technology.
• Harmonise animal welfare rules across EU Member States.
• Ensure imported animal products comply with equivalent welfare standards.
• Ring-fence EU and national funding to support higher-welfare systems.
• Remove bureaucratic barriers that slow down farmers who want to transition to higher-welfare systems.
• Introduce meaningful method-of-production and welfare labelling.

How to take part 

The consultation is open to all. It takes around 15–20 minutes, and every response will help to shape future EU law.

Short guidance for filling in the consultation

1. Emphasise that the current rules are insufficient.

2. Prioritise phasing out cages and crates for all species.

3. Stress the importance of supporting farmers with funding and guidance.

4. Advocate for equivalent welfare standards for imports.

5. Highlight the urgency of ending the killing of day-old chicks.

6. Support clearer, harmonised rules and effective use of animal-based indicators.

7. Mention broader benefits: transparency, sustainability, sector resilience.