Council Directive 97/2/EC of 20 January 1997 amending Directive 91/629/EEC laying down minimum standards for the protection of calves

COUNCIL DIRECTIVE 97/2/EC of 20 January 1997 amending Directive 91/629/EEC laying down minimum standards for the protection of calves
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European 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),
Whereas, pursuant to Article 6 of Directive 91/629/EEC (3), the Scientific Veterinary Committee gave an opinion on 9 November 1995, on the basis of which the Commission drew up a report which was submitted to the European Parliament and the Council;
Whereas, on the basis of the conclusions of that report, it is appropriate to amend certain provisions of Directive 91/629/EEC in order to ensure that the rules are based on scientific evidence and do not go beyond what is necessary to enable the common organization of markets to function effectively;
Whereas Declaration No 24 annexed to the Final Act of the Treaty on European Union calls upon the European institutions and the Member States, when drafting and implementing Community legislation, to pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals;
Whereas the harmonization of rules concerning the conditions of calf-rearing in the framework of the common organization of the markets is necessary to ensure the rational development of production under satisfactory conditions of competition; whereas in this regard it is recognized scientifically that calves should benefit from an environment corresponding to their needs as a herd-living species; whereas, for that reason, they should be reared in groups; whereas calves, both group-housed and individually penned, must have sufficient space for exercise, contact with other cattle, and for normal movements when standing up or lying down;
Whereas it is necessary to allow time for holdings to make the necessary arrangements to comply with the new rules,