Council Directive 91/630/EEC of 19 November 1991 laying down minimum standards fo the protection of pigs

COUNCIL DIRECTIVE
of 19 November 1991
laying down minimum  standards for the protection of pigs
(91/630/EEC)
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 (1),
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (2),
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (3),
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 (4) and has deposited its instrument of approval;
Whereas the European Parliament, in its resolution of 20 February 1987 on animal welfare policy  (5), called on the Commission to make proposals on minimum standards for the intensive farming of  pigs;
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 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 organization of the common market in pigs and pig products;
Whereas there is therefore a need to establish common minimum standards for the protection of pigs  kept for rearing and fattening in order to ensure rational development of production;
Whereas it is necessary for official services, producers, consumers and others to be kept informed  of developments in this field; whereas the Commission should therefore, on the basis of a report  from the Scientific Veterinary Committee, pursue actively scientific research into the best  pig-rearing system(s) from the point of view of pig welfare; whereas provision should accordingly  be made for an interim period to enable the Commission to complete this task successfully,