Efforts are also underway to expand the existing ban on tail docking piglets, which will take effect in 2025. Denmark has yet to decide whether to impose a fine for tail docking or to offer a premium for not docking tails.
Danish politicians believe that the animal welfare law should apply not only to pets, farm animals, and livestock but also to mink farming and poultry farming. Minister of Agriculture Jacob Jensen calls the agreement a new chapter for animal welfare, describing it as an animal protection treaty. He also advocates for the introduction of a state animal welfare certification.
In the Folketing, nearly all parliamentary parties have reached an agreement with the minority government on this. This expands on parts of an earlier government proposal.
The government proposal contained 23 initiatives; the parties have now added eight more. For example, Denmark will get a citizen advisory council to contribute to discussions about animal welfare.
Minister Jensen also wants to support the marketing of “slower growing chickens” and calls for a ban on fast-growing breeds at the EU level. Denmark brought up this issue last year with the EU ministers of Agriculture. Next year, Denmark will serve as EU Council president for six months.
The debate about animal welfare intensified last year in Denmark after revelations about a large horse farm. Following protests and complaints, several inspections uncovered the remains of fifty buried horses on the stud farm’s grounds in Jutland.
Earlier, there had already been violent clashes between stud farm staff and demonstrators trying to enter the premises.