Boost for Yorkshire Farmers as MEPs give Pigs more Room

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 14th Jun 2001

The European Parliament today endorsed proposals to improve living conditions for pigs on farms within the European Union, levelling the playing field for Yorkshire's pig farmers.

Once adopted by Member States, it will be illegal to put pregnant sows into restrictive individual stalls. At other times, sows will have to be kept in larger pens with more room to move and it will be unlawful to tether them. "This is an important step forward in improving animal welfare standards within the EU," commented Diana Wallis, Lib Dem Euro-MP for Yorkshire and the Humber.

The new rules will require handlers to receive more training and farmers to improve the pigs' general living environment - making it more conducive to their natural behaviour with areas for feeding, resting and rooting.

Speaking in Strasbourg, Ms Wallis welcomed the outcome of the Parliament's vote:

"The UK and some other EU countries already have relatively high standards of protection for pigs and have been phasing out the use of restrictive individual stalls for a number of years.

"Yorkshire's farmers have been placed at a competitive disadvantage in comparison to those in other EU countries where standards are lower. These new rules will ensure that higher standards of living for pigs are observed throughout the EU. This will help to level the playing field for Yorkshire farmers."