Straw and pigs: 92 % urgently demand better animal husbandry!

The association makes it clear that Stroh not only improves the quality of life of the pigs by enabling them soft berths and offers manipulation options, but also brings health benefits. The straw litter helps to reduce the inhalation of harmful ammonia gas from the slurry pit. A decision on the new provisions on full columns and straw litter can be expected by the end of May 2025, since the lifting of the existing regulation of the Constitutional Court (VfGH) comes into force on June 1st.

The role of the Constitutional Court

The VfGH has made it clear that the 17-year transition period for the keeping of pigs in unstructured full column bays is considered inappropriate. From June 1, 2025, the provision in the Animal Welfare Act, which set this deadline, will be overridden. The aim of the amendment to the law, which was decided in the National Council, is to prohibit unstructured full column bays in pig farming from 2040 in order to promote more animal -friendly housing conditions.

Preferred the ban without exceptions, which has been in effect for all new systems for January 1, 2023. According to the VfGH, these measures are intended to increase the pressure on pig farming and sustainably improve the conditions. The VGT chairman GDR. Martin Balluch emphasizes that the current regulations only affect the unstructured full column floor without a transition period and a binding regulation for straw litter and more space for the animals are essential.

a growing consciousness

The VGT reports a topic of growing public awareness of full columns as an example of cruelty to animals, a topic that was hardly known until 2019. The protests against this practice have risen considerably in recent years. In 2024 there were already 467 protests, and 99 other activities are planned by June 1, 2025. These figures illustrate the social pressure that is on the political decision -maker: inside to take suitable measures for animal husbandry.

The demands of the VGT, which by 2033 include a double place per animal and mandatory straw litter for all pig farms, have found clear support from public opinion. According to a Eurobarometer survey from 2023, the majority of the population is for the implementation of these measures, which signals the person responsible in politics.

In this situation, it is crucial that the political decision -makers: react quickly and drive the necessary changes in the Animal Welfare Act. The well -being of the animals is the responsibility of politics, and the pressure of the public could be crucial for an end to the outdated posture practices in pig farming.