EFSA to prepare a scientific opinion on the animal welfare aspects of killing and skinning seals

Although EFSA’s scientific work in respect to animal health and welfare issues is mainly in relation to the food chain, the Authority also addresses issues in other areas. The opinion on seals will cover the scientific aspects related to the humane killing and skinning of seals, and will measure, as far as is scientifically possible, the degree of pain, distress and suffering that may be caused by each method. It will also assess the most appropriate and suitable killing methods for seals so that animals will not be caused to suffer unnecessary pain and distress, or other adverse effects. EFSA recognizes that there are many societal and ethical views and concerns relating to these issues. However, an EFSA scientific opinion does not take into consideration socio-economic, cultural or ethical factors, as these are outside the authority’s legal mandate.

EFSA has started to collect reliable data on methods currently applied in killing seals and will consider all data sources including animal welfare organizations, governmental and private bodies in the EU and third countries. EFSA intends to hold a public consultation on the draft opinion, including a meeting with stakeholders, in September 2007, in order to ensure that all scientific information is taken into account in its final opinion. The AHAW Panel aims at adopting its opinion by December 2007

Mandate from the European Commission