21. 8. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 214/31 
15. All calves shall be fed at least twice daily. Where calves are housed in groups and not fed ad libitum, or by 
an automatic feeding system, each calf shall have access to the food at the same time as the others in the group. 
16. Each calf after the age of two weeks shall have access to adequate fresh potable water at all times and shall 
have daily access to at least lOOg dry food containing digestible fibre. 
17. Feeding and watering equipment shall be designed, constructed, placed and maintained so that 
contamination of the calves' feed or water is minimised. 
18. Dry food ingredients shall be stored in such a way as to keep them dry, clean and free from infestation. 
Proposal for a Council Regulation (EEC) concerning minimum standards for the protection 
of pigs kept in intensive farming systems 
COM(89) 115 final 
(Presented by the Commission on 23 June 1989) 
(89/C 214/05) 
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, 
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European 
Economic Community, and in particular Article 43 thereof, 
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission, 
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament, 
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social 
Committee, Whereas there is therefore a need to establish common 
minimum standards for the protection of pigs in intensive 
farming systems in order to ensure rational development of 
production and to facilitate the completion of the internal 
market in pigs and pig products; 
Whereas it is necessary for official services, producers, 
consumers and others to be kept informed of developments 
in this field; whereas the Commission should continue to 
support information and research projects on the subject, 
Whereas all Member States have ratified the European 
Convention on the Protection of Animals kept for Farming 
Purposes; whereas the Community has also approved this 
Convention by Decision 78/923/EEC (*) and has deposited 
its instrument of approval; 
Whereas the European Parliament, in its Resolution of 20 
February 1987 on animal welfare policy (2), called on the 
Commission to make proposals on minimum standards for 
intensive farming of pigs; HAS ADOPTED THIS REGULATION: 
Article 1 
The keeping of pigs in intensive farming systems shall be 
subject to the provisions of this Regulation. 
Whereas pigs, being live animals, are included in the list of 
products set out in Annex II of the Treaty; 
Whereas the keeping of pigs in intensive farming systems is 
an integral part of agriculture; whereas it constitutes a 
source of revenue for part of the agricultural population; 
Whereas differences which may distort conditions of 
competition interfere with the smooth running of the 
organisation of the common market in pigs and pig 
products; 
(i) OJ No L 323, 17. 11. 1978, p. 12. 
(2) OJ No C 76, 23. 3. 1987, p. 185. Article 2 
For the purpose of this Regulation the following definitions 
shall apply: 
1. pig: an animal of the porcine species of any age whether 
kept for breeding or fattening; 
2. intensive farming system: a system in which pigs are 
housed without access to pasture for all or most of their 
lives; 
No C 214/32 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 8. 89 
3. boar: a male pig after puberty, intended for breeding 
purposes; 
4. gilt: a female pig after puberty and before farrowing; 
5. sow: a female pig after farrowing; 
6. farrowing sow: a sow between the perinatal period and 
weaning the piglets; 
7. dry sow: a sow between weaning her piglets and the 
perinatal period; 
8. piglet: a pig from birth to weaning; 
9. weaner: a pig weaning to the age of 10 weeks; 
10. rearing pig: a pig from ten weeks to slaughter or service; 
Article 3 
1. From 1 January 1992, all newly-built intensive farming 
systems, and all intensive farming systems brought into use 
for the first time, shall comply at least with the following 
requirements: 
(a) After weaning, sows shall not be confined by tethers for 
a period of at least 4 weeks; during that period they 
shall only be confined in individual crates or stalls if 
they are released for daily exercise. 
(b) The unobstructed floor area available to each weaner or 
rearing pig shall not be less than: 
— 0,2 m2 for an average weight of the pigs of 20 kg or 
less, 
— 0,3 m2 for an average weight of the pigs of between 
20 kg and 30 kg, 
— 0,4 m2 for an average weight of the pigs of between 
30 kg and 50 kg, 
— 0,65 m2 for an average weight of the pigs of between 
50 kg and 110 kg, 
— 1,0 m2 for an average weight of the pigs of more than 
110 kg. 
2. From 1 January 1999 the minimum requirements laid 
down in paragraph 1 shall apply to all intensive farming 
systems. 
Article 4 
The "provisions of the Annexes may be amended in 
accordance with the procedure laid down in Article 10 in 
order to take account of scientific developments. Article 5 
The Commission shall establish a system, including an 
appropriate database, to ensure that it has access to all 
current scientific, technological and other relevant inform­
ation concerning the keeping of pigs in intensive farming 
systems, and shall disseminate such information to the 
competent authorities of the Member States and to other 
interested parties. 
Article 6 
Before 1 January 1994 the Commission shall make a report 
to the Council and to the Parliament on the welfare of pigs 
under different systems of farming and on the provisions of 
this Regulation. This report shall, in particular, consider 
the welfare of sows kept in different degrees of confinement 
and in groups, and shall be accompanied by any 
appropriate proposals. 
Article 7 
1. The competent authority of each Member State shall 
make inspections of intensive farming systems to ensure 
compliance with this Regulation. 
2. These inspections shall cover a random sample of 
10 % of intensive farming systems in each Member State 
each year. 
3. The competent authority of each Member State shall 
make an annual report to the Commission, before the last 
working day of April each year, starting in April 1993, 
giving details of: 
— the number of intensive farming systems in their 
territory, 
— the number of inspections made pursuant to para­
graph 1, 
— any contraventions found, 
— any legal action taken in consequence. 
Article 8 
Commission veterinary experts may, to the extent 
necessary for uniform application of this Regulation, carry 
out on-the-spot inspections. The Commission shall inform 
the Member States of the outcome of such inspections. 
The Member State on whose territory the inspections are 
carried out shall provide the experts with all the assistance 
required for the accomplishment of their task. 
General rules for the application of this Article shall be 
adopted in accordance with the procedure laid down in 
Article 10. 
21. 8. 89 Official Journal of the European Communities No C 214/33 
Article 9 
The Commission shall be assisted by the Standing 
Veterinary Committee set up by Council Decision 68/361/ 
EEC (1), hereinafter referred to as 'the Committee'. The Commission shall take the utmost account of the 
opinion delivered by the Committee. It shall inform the 
Committee of the manner in which its opinion has been 
taken into account. 
Article 10 
Where the procedure laid down in this Article is to be used, 
the following rules shall apply: 
The representative of the Commission shall submit to the 
Committee a draft of the measures to be taken. The 
Committee shall deliver its opinion on the draft within a 
time limit which the Chairman may lay down according to 
the urgency of the matter, if necessary by taking a vote. 
The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in addition, 
each Member State shall have the right to ask to have its 
position recorded in the minutes. 
(!) OJ No L 255, 19. 10. 1968, p. 23. Article 11 
Member States may in respect of intensive farming systems 
situated on their territory, maintain or take stricter 
measures for the protection of pigs than are laid down in 
this Regulation. They shall inform the Commission of any 
such measures. 
Article 12 
This Regulation shall enter into force on 1 January 1992. 
This Regulation shall be binding in its entirety and directly 
applicable in all Member States. 
ANNEX A 
General conditions 
1. The design, construction and maintenance of the housing, pens and equipment shall be such as to provide a 
safe environment conducive to the health and well-being of the pigs and to minimise the risk of fire. 
2. Materials used for the construction of housing, particularly pens, equipment, floors and partitions shall not 
be harmful to the pigs and shall be capable of being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. 
3. Electrical circuits and equipment shall be installed and maintained so as to avoid the pigs being exposed to 
stray voltages. 
4. Constant or sudden loud noise shall be avoided. Insulation, heating, or both, shall be provided where 
necessary to prevent condensation and fluctuations in environmental temperature. Ventilation shall ensure that 
air velocity, dust levels, temperature, relative humidity and gas concentration are kept within limits that are not 
harmful to the pigs. 
5. All automated or mechanical equipment essential for the pigs' health and well-being shall be inspected at 
least once daily. Where defects are discovered, these shall be rectified immediately or if this is impracticable, 
appropriate steps shall be taken to safeguard the health and welfare of the pigs until the defect has been rectified, 
by for example, having available alternative methods of feeding and maintaining a satisfactory environment. 
Where an artificial ventilation system is used, a supply of fresh air shall be guaranteed in case of failure of the 
system and an alarm system shall be provided to warn the stock-keeper of the failure. The alarm system shall be 
tested at least once per week. 
6. Pigs shall not be kept permanently in darkness. Artificial lighting shall be available and of sufficient 
intensity to inspect the pigs at any time. 
7. The pigs shall be cared for by a sufficient number of personnel with adequate theoretical and practical 
knowledge, especially of the management and the production system used, to be able to recognise whether the 
pigs appear to be in good health or not, including behavioural changes and whether the total environment is 
adequate to keep them healthy. 
No C 214/34 Official Journal of the European Communities 21. 8. 89 
8. When pigs appear not to be in a state of good health or well-being, steps shall be taken without delay to 
establish the cause and appropriate remedial measures shall be implemented as soon as possible. If the cause is 
traced to an environmental factor concerning the design or construction of the building, equipment or pens, this 
shall be corrected before the next pig or batch of pigs, as appropriate, is put in. 
9. All pigs shall be inspected at least twice daily. Any pig which appears to be ill or injured shall be treated 
appropriately without delay. Pens with dry, comfortable bedding shall be made available for sick and injured 
pigs, with sufficient space for them to be able to turn around, lie down and stand up easily. Veterinary advice 
shall be obtained as soon as possible for pigs which are not responding to the stock-keeper's remedial treatment. 
10. If pigs are kept together, measures shall be taken to prevent excessive fighting. Pigs which show persistent 
aggression towards others shall be removed from the group. 
11. The accommodation for pigs shall be constructed in such a way as to allow each pig: 
— to lie down, rest and stand up without strain, 
— to use separate places for resting and dunging, 
— to see other pigs. 
12. Where tethers are used, these shall not cause injury to the pigs and shall be inspected daily and adjusted as 
necessary to ensure a comfortable fit. Each tether shall be of sufficient length to allow the pigs to move in 
accordance with paragraph 11. The design shall be such as to avoid the possibility of strangulation. 
13. Housing, pens, equipment and utensils for pigs shall be cleaned and disinfected regularly to prevent cross-
infection and the build-up of disease organisms. Faeces, urine and uneaten or spilt food shall be removed as 
often as necessary to minimise smell and the attraction of flies or rodents. 
14. Floors shall be smooth enough to prevent injury to the pigs but not cause them to slip. Where slatted, 
perforated or gridded floors are used, they shall not cause injury or strain to pigs standing or lying on them. 
They shall be suitable for the size and weight of the pigs and form a rigid, even and stable surface. The lying area 
shall be well drained and kept dry. Where bedding is provided, this shall be clean, dry and not harmful to the 
pigs. 
15. All pigs shall be provided with a palatable, digestible and nutritious diet appropriate to their age and 
weight and according to their behavioural and physiological need, to promote a positive state of health and 
well-being. 
16. All pigs shall be fed at least twice daily. Where pigs are housed in groups and not fed ad libitum, or by an 
automatic feeding system, each pig shall have access to the food at the same time as the others in the group. 
17. All pigs after the age of two weeks shall have access to adequate fresh potable water at all times. 
18. Feeding and watering equipment shall be designed, constructed, placed and maintained so that 
contamination of the pigs' feed or water is minimised. 
19. Dry food ingredients shall be stored in such a way as to keep them dry, clean and free from infestation. 
20. All pigs shall be provided with straw, hay or other suitable materials or objects for at least 1 hour per day, 
to allow them to indulge in normal behaviour patterns. 
^.D.^ COfhc^l]ourn^loLrri^Luron^nCornrnun^nc^ ^o^^l^^ 
A^^^X^ 
specific provisions for various categories of pigs 
t. ^oar pens shall be sited and constructed so as to allow the boar sound, smell and sight of other pigs, and to 
provide for separate resting and dunging areas. 
^. The Ivingarea shall be provided with dr^,comfortablebeddmgsuchasstraw.The minimum pensile for an 
adult boar shall be^m^. 
^, Where natural services are not supervised bv an experienced stock-keeper,there shall be sufficientspace for 
the sow or gilt and boar to manoeuvre without mmr^ to either. 
t. ^teps shall be taken to prevent tail biting or othervicesbvtheprovision of straw or other suitable materials 
or objects and bv attention to the environment and stocking densitv. 
L Farrowing sows and gilts shall be clean,and, if necessar^,treated against external and internal parasites 
prior to being settled into the farrowing accommodation. 
^. Thev shall be provided withaclean,drv,comfortablelving area and shall be given suitable bedding and 
nesting material. Care shall be taken to prevent damage to bonv prominences such as the shoulders or hips. 
^3. ^n unobstructed area behind the sow or gilt shall be available for the ease of natural or assisted farrowing. 
4. Farrowing quarters where sows are kept loose shall have some means of protecting the piglets such as 
farrowing rails. 
tv.^^ 
t. aiglets shall be provided withasourceofheatandasohdlvmg area with drv,comfortable bedding, awav 
from the sow where all of them can rest at the same time. 
^. Whereafarrowing crate is used the pigletsshallhavesufficientspace along both sides to suck attheirdam^s 
udder without difficulty. 
^. aiglets shall begivenasourceofiron supplement soon after birth and, where necessarv,electrolvtes or milk 
replacer shall be available. 
4. Creep feed shall be provided so that the piglets are accustomed to eating it prior to weaning. 
^. Male pigs intended to be slaughtered atahve-weightofless than 90 kg shall not be castrated.Castration of 
male pigs over^weeks of age mavonlv be carried out under anaesthesia bvavetennananorperson qualified in 
accordance with national legislation. 
^. Tooth clipping and tail docking shall not be carried out routmelv but onlv when there is evidence on the 
farmthat injuries to sows^udders or other pigs^tails have occurred asaresultofnotcarrvmgout these 
procedures. 
Onlv the tips of the teeth and the tails mav be removed and withm^davs of birth. 
7. Where knees or hocks of piglets become damaged, appropriate steps shall be taken to protect the knees or 
hocks from further damage and allow healing. 
^. aiglets shall not be weaned from the sow at less than^weeks of age unless the welfare ofthe dam orpiglets 
would otherwise be adversely affected. 
9. ^t weaning the sow shall be moved from the farrowing accommodation before the piglets. 
V.^^^^^r^^^^^ 
t. The pigs should be kept in stable groups with as little mining as possible. 
^. ^teps shall betaken to preventtail biting or othervicesbv the provision of straw or other suitable materials 
or objects and bv attention to the environment and stocking densitv.