Throughout 2022, there has been a decrease in the number of sanctions imposed on farmers for violations of animal welfare rules, according to a new report from the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration. The report, published by the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries, shows a six percent reduction in sanctions for cattle herds and a one percent reduction for pig herds. Despite this decrease, the level of sanctions is still considered high, with sanction percentages of 40 and 30 percent for the two types of herds, respectively. Minister of Food Jacob Jensen (V) has expressed a strong intention to further improve animal welfare. “The new animal welfare report points to a number of focal points that I am determined to address together with the industry,” he said in a press release.
In February, the government, together with SF (Socialist People’s Party), Liberal Alliance, The Conservative People’s Party, The Radical Left and the Danish People’s Party, presented Denmark’s first animal welfare agreement, “Together for the Animals”. The agreement includes 31 initiatives to improve animal welfare both in the barns and at home. “Animals should be treated properly when in human care,” Jensen added. Part of the agreement focuses on improving the reporting of the animal welfare report to ensure a more accurate and up-to-date picture of violations. In addition, there are plans to increase the pressure of controls on cattle and pig herds.
In 2022, the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration conducted animal welfare controls in 1692 herds, which is a significant increase from 1033 visits in 2021. These measures and increased controls are part of a broader strategy to ensure and improve animal welfare in Denmark.