The strategy for 2012-2015 on animal welfare in the EU adopted by the European Commission is aimed at optimising policy coherence and market transparency in a comprehensive animal welfare legislative framework. John Dalli, EU Health and Consumer Policy Commissioner highlights that animal welfare measures need to be cost-effective and the new strategy will permit appropriate flexibility allowing operators to attain the necessary welfare standards by different routes.

The European Commission has adopted a new strategy through a Communication in order to improve the animal welfare in the EU to 2012-2015. The current EU Animal Welfare legislation is developed in response to contingencies and political demand over the past 3 decades. Although is often detailed and sector specific, it is sporadic in its coverage. For instance, the Commission published a report in November 2010 that highlighted that the protection of animals during transport should be improved.

The adopted Communication identifies the lack of enforcement of EU legislation by Member States in a number of areas as one of the major issues adversely affecting animal welfare in the EU. In addition, the market does not provide sufficient economic incentives for compliance. On the other hand, it points out that many of the parties involved lack sufficient knowledge about animal welfare.

For this reason, the Communication suggests a proposal for a comprehensive animal welfare law and a reinforcement of current actions. The legislation to be proposed is expected to promote an innovative approach focusing on actual welfare outcomes instead of mechanistic inputs, and to increase the focus on the education and professional standards of all parties concerned. Furthermore, the strategy includes to enhance tools to strengthen Member State compliance with the legal requirements; boosting the already existing international co-operation on animal welfare issues; providing consumers with better information, and performing studies where animal welfare appears to encounter the most problems.