The majority of Spaniards are concerned about the welfare of animals raised for human consumption. It is one of the conclusions of a survey carried out by the Organization of Consumers and Users (OCU) together with other associations from seven European countries, which have requested the EU to act accordingly when legislating, proposing new laws and updating the existing ones.
The results of this survey developed in collaboration with the European Organization of Consumer Associations (BEUC) reflect that no less than nine out of ten Spaniards (89%) ask for new regulations to change the conditions of farm animals, such as providing more space, or ban cage systems and mutilations.
76% of respondents also demand that the production labeling method be applied to products other than eggs, such as meat or milk; and 82% agree that imports of products of animal origin should meet the same welfare standards as those produced in the EU. About 80%, on the other hand, would prefer that the European community be the one to offer funds to producers to implement the strictest welfare rules.
The survey carried out by the OCU also shows that consumers distrust companies' claims about welfare, and that they do not believe companies' statements about how well they treat animals.
Six out of ten Spaniards would pay for less flexible regulations, although 34% would only spend up to 5% more. A large majority believes that the costs of this transition should be assumed by the EU and national governments.
In short, consumers want to have more information about the raising of farm animals and, to this end, they demand reliable labeling. Although they are clear that this change must be fair for farmers and users.
The OCU, for its part, calls on the government to ensure that the cost towards a greater animal welfare transition is shared equitably throughout the value chain and is not borne only by consumers. "They have been suffering from a high increase in food prices for months. Farmers should not be the most affected either," they said in a press release.
The organization adds that these changes would improve both the health of citizens, as well as that of animals and the planet. "Consumers need help to make healthier foods the easier choice," they conclude.
