October 4 is World Animal Day
Various stakeholders, including guests from abroad (the European Veterinary Association and the European Commission), exchanged views on the treatment of animals and the vision and challenges for the future.
“Animals in human care, whether as pets or farm animals, are gradually coming to be understood as sentient beings, not just as things, possessions, ornaments or means of production. Animal welfare is a current topic and attracts the attention of the public and various European and domestic institutions, even the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food has recognized the protection and welfare of animals as an extremely important part of sustainable agriculture,” emphasized Minister Šinko in his opening address.
Throughout its history, humanity has evolved in coexistence with animals. If we raise, breed and use animals for our own good, then it is our moral duty to care for them in a way that does not cause them unnecessary suffering. The ethical treatment of animals is today reflected in the legislation of many countries, and the European Union is in many ways at the forefront in this area. In its material legislation and the legislation governing the protection of animals, Slovenia has written that animals are sentient beings.
“The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food supports raising animal welfare standards by actively co-forming agricultural policy. We dedicate financial support to animal health care, which in turn strengthens the public veterinary service, as one of the key services in ensuring the welfare of animals. The Ministry is also preparing amendments to the regulations governing responsible animal ownership and prescribing the obligations of animal owners. The preparation of legislation that can be implemented must be based on scientific findings, professional knowledge, modern technological achievements and, last but not least, the broadest dialogue. The National Center for Animal Protection, which is the co-organizer of today’s consultation, additionally points out the importance of a broad dialogue on animal welfare in the public,” the minister emphasized.
In addition to legislation, the culture of handling animals is also important, i.e. all the habits that are passed down from generation to generation through upbringing. Culture ensures that people’s relationship with animals improves over time. The culture of the treatment of animals can be improved by each new generation by improving the thinking about animals. It is crucial that young people develop compassion, which they can achieve by having the right attitude towards animals from an early age in the family, kindergarten, school, local community, and above all by example. Every human being must understand what suffering means to animals and strive not to cause it. Additionally, everyone should be aware of when an animal’s life is good enough.
“Livestock farming, as the most important branch of Slovenian agriculture, is of great importance in ensuring safe and high-quality food and plays a key role in preserving the cultural landscape and protecting the environment. Livestock is the most important branch of agriculture, as the share of livestock in the total agricultural production has been between 43 and 47 percent in recent years, which is why a great deal of emphasis is placed on livestock in the Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy 2023-2027, in which it is proposed that production-related payments are mainly aimed at cattle breeding and rearing of suckling cows throughout Slovenia, as well as dairying and rearing of sheep and goats in mountain areas, and one percent of the national envelope for direct payments is intended for animals. of production, which means 1.3 million euros annually,” Minister Šinko explained.