The implementation of EU animal welfare policies on the breeding and slaughtering of farm animals in Malta

Abstract

Following Malta's accession to the European Union, the Maltese government needed to modify outdated or non-compliant legislation. This process of Europeanisation must be carried out by every member state, in order to ensure that the legal framework of any country is in line with the requirements put forward by the acquis communautaire. Malta underwent substantial changes in numerous policy areas, including the agricultural sphere. The adoption of the Common Agricultural Policy influenced various sectors, with animal welfare being one such area. As shall be explored in this dissertation, the latter policy was not given substantial attention prior to Malta becoming a member of the EU. However, on achieving that milestone, the EU, as a global political bloc, founded on a common market and a common agricultural policy, required Malta to abide by all animal welfare policies. Malta's accession, however, was not without its problems. The country found itself overwhelmed by the various changes which had to take place, and these proved to be significant in the animal welfare sector. The breeding, transportation and slaughtering processes are, namely, three of the more important aspects of animal welfare. In order to comply with EU legislation, modifications needed to be made to the latter processes, in addition to the handling and treatment of the animals. Therefore, the aim of this dissertation is to discuss and evaluate the respective changes which needed to take place. In order to ensure a better understanding of the subject at hand, the various legal components which govern animal welfare shall be analysed. This descriptive approach will subsequently lead to analysing Malta's pre- and post-accession positions.