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The main role of the Animal Health and Welfare is to ensure that animal welfare is respected in all circumstances and that all animals, whether used for food, work, companionship, or research, do not suffer unnecessarily. The Department is regulated by the Animal Welfare Act, to which all legislation dealing with the issue is subsidiary.
The primary function of the Department is to ensure that EU legislation on Animal Welfare is respected. The EU Directives which the Department is responsible for are the following:
| 91/630 |
- on the protection of pigs |
1/2005
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- on the transportation of animals |
99/74
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- on the protection of laying hens, |
93/119
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- on the protection of animals during slaughter, |
91/629
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- on the protection of calves |
| 98/58 |
- on the protection of farm animals |
86/609
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- on animal experimentation regulations |
| 99/22 |
- on the keeping of wild animals in zoos |
| 2000/50 |
- on the inspection of holdings |
Inspections are often carried out, especially on farms, the end result of which influences the decision on whether a licence is awarded or withheld. The inspectorate is also responsible for other welfare issues which are not necessarily related to EU obligations - all these activities are carried out with the collaboration of the Police force.
The Animal Health and Welfare is working in close connection with the Animal Welfare Council, which acts as an advisory body to the Ministry on local animal welfare issues.
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