In the European Union, animal welfare regulations cover three main areas: housing, transport and killing of animals. The same approach will be introduced in Ukraine next year.
This is a new area of work for Ukraine, however, market operators exporting animal products to the European Union have already implemented animal welfare requirements, as this is an integral part of obtaining an export permit.
From January 1, 2026, in accordance with the order of the Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Agriculture of Ukraine dated 08.02.2021 No. 224 Requirements for the welfare of farm animals during keeping will be implemented and will be mandatory for all market operators. In turn, requirements for the welfare of animals during killing and transport will come into effect from March 2026.
Thus, from January, mandatory minimum requirements for the conditions of keeping farm animals, including feeding and care, are established. The requirements will apply to all types of farm animals, for the production of food, wool, leather, fur or for other agricultural purposes, and will also contain special (additional) standards for pigs, calves, broilers and laying hens.
If we put the general logic of these requirements in simple language, their essence is that the owners or keepers are responsible for the conditions of keeping, care and health of animals. They must provide the animals with comfortable conditions, taking into account their natural needs - age, species, behavioral characteristics, physiology and level of domestication. For this, both practical experience and scientific knowledge are equally important.
Basic requirements for keeping animals:
- Regular inspection: daily or at sufficient intervals; adequate lighting for inspection by trained personnel.
- Illnesses and injuries: immediate care; if there is no improvement, a veterinarian; the possibility of isolation in comfortable conditions; prohibition of excessive restriction of movement.
- Premises and conditions of detention: safe, clean, easily disinfected; sufficient space that meets the needs of animals and their freedom of movement, appropriate microclimate; natural or artificial lighting; protection of animals during walking from adverse weather conditions and predators.
- Equipment and ventilation: daily inspection; immediate troubleshooting; presence of alarms and backup ventilation.
- Feeding and watering: complete and balanced diet, clean water available at all times, no suffering during feeding; equipment installed to prevent contamination and competition.
- Treatment and procedures: only authorized veterinary drugs; prohibition of mutilation and traumatic methods; only procedures permitted by law that may cause minimal or short-term suffering or injury.
Owners are required to keep records of animal treatment and deaths and retain such data for at least three years. The State Service for Food and Consumer Protection will monitor compliance with the requirements and respond to identified violations.
The implementation of these norms is an important step towards harmonizing Ukrainian legislation with European legislation and increasing the level of responsible treatment of animals in agriculture.
Follow the information on the official website web portal of the State Service for Food and Consumer Protection.
