Animal welfare
is a complex, multi-faceted public policy issue that includes important
scientific, ethical, economic and political dimensions. Because of
its growing importance in society, animal welfare must today be addressed
in a scientifically credible manner. Due to the multi-faceted nature
of the topic, it is essential to include all stakeholders in deliberations,
to ensure cultural and religious sensibilities are addressed, as well
as the economic issues. A science-based approach to animal welfare
particularly oriented to animals in agriculture and aquaculture is
essential to preserve its value and credibility.
There are many challenges that will have to be faced: how to apply
guiding principles at the farm? How can stress of animals be measured
objectively? How can science-based international standards be established?
For over 75 years,
the OIE has played a key role in protecting animal health world-wide,
being recognised by the World Trade Organization since 1994 as the
international organisation for animal health. Due to the essential
relationship between animal health and animal welfare, the representatives
of its 164 Member Countries asked the OIE to take the lead role in
animal welfare.
The Director
General of the OIE convened an Ad hoc Group in April 2002, bringing
together the best experts in the field from a diverse range of backgrounds
and cultures.
The International Committee of the OIE unanimously adopted the recommendations
of the Ad hoc Group on animal welfare during its 70th General Session
(May 2002). A permanent Working Group on Animal Welfare with the same
membership was then established which held its first meeting in October
2002.
Recognising the
importance of OIE maximizing transparency in its policy development,
the Working Group examined the best options for incorporating the
views of non-governmental organisations (NGOs), including industry,
in its work on animal welfare. The "Global Conference on Animal
Welfare" was one part of the OIE's strategy. The primary objectives
of the Conference were:
