The need to protect animals from unnecessary harm and sufferance is becoming increasingly topical in all member states and all governments have agreed that concerted action is needed to protect animals in all their uses. The Council of Europe, recognising that the dignity of mankind cannot be disassociated from the respect owed to the environment and the animals that inhabit it, believes it has a moral responsibility to make proper provision for animal care and welfare.

Scientific developments and intensification of practices were sources of important changes in the use of animals, in agriculture and food production, as well as in research and experimentation. The Conventions on the protection of animals elaborated at the Council of Europe were the first international legal instruments laying down ethical principles for the transport, the farming, the slaughtering of animals as well as for their use for experimental purposes and as pets. They have been used as a basis for, and continue to influence, all the relevant legislation in Europe. Animal welfare is an issue of increasing importance in Europe. The work of the Council of Europe reflects this evolution. (more ...)

International transport

International transport

Protection of animals during transport
The European Convention and the Revised European Convention for the protection of animals during international transport are two international legal instruments containing common provisions for ensuring the wellness of animals during any transportation involving the crossing of a frontier. (more ...)

Farming purposes

Farming purposes

Protection of animals kept for farming purposes
The European Convention and the protocol of Amendment to the European Convention for the Protection of animals kept for farming purposes give a framework of principles for the keeping, caring and housing of animals, particularly in intensive breeding systems. (more ...)

Animal slaughter

Animal slaughter

Protection of animals for slaughter
The European Convention for the protection of animals for slaughter applies to the movement, lairaging, restraint, stunning and slaughter of domestic solipeds, ruminants, pigs, rabbits and poultry. (more ...)

Experimental and other scientific purposes

Experimental and other scientific purposes

Protection of animals used for experimentation

The European Convention for the protection of vertebrate animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes concerns the use of animals in procedures (experiments). Its provisions cover areas such as care and accommodation, conduct of experiments, humane killing, authorisation procedures, control of breeding or supplying and user establishments, education and training, and statistical information. (more ...)

Pet animals

Pet animals

Protection of pet animals

The European Convention on the protection of pet animals contains provisions to protect pet animals, and seeks to establish a basic common standard of attitude and practice towards pet ownership. Provisions are included on breeding, boarding, keeping. (more ...)

Publication:  Ethical eye - Animal welfare (2006)

Just how much do animals suffer? Does legislation make a difference to animal welfare and do economic factors hinder its improvement?

The treatment of animals has long been a subject of debate, yet attitudes towards animal welfare still differ greatly and genuine concern for animals has only really developed over the last few decades.

The general public is concerned by this issue and has gradually started to exert pressure on those who use animals to change their ways and on politicians to introduce new legislation.

This book about animal welfare takes a detailed look at the ethical issues, religious viewpoints and the attitudes of different countries towards animal welfare, as well as at the Council of Europe conventions and other European instruments aimed at tackling this issue at an international level.

Order from: http://book.coe.int or from specialised bookshops