Target: Stella Kyriakides, European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety, European Union
Goal: Strengthen enforcement and penalties to prevent animal suffering within Europe’s meat and dairy industry despite ethical branding claims.
Europe’s vast meat and dairy market continues to generate hundreds of billions in revenue each year, supported by deeply ingrained dietary habits and industrial-scale production. While industry reports emphasise quality, tradition, and premiumisation, animal welfare advocates have long warned that large-scale animal agriculture involves routine practices that cause suffering, stress, and deprivation to animals raised for food.
Despite claims of ethical sourcing and strong regulatory frameworks, animals within intensive meat and dairy systems are reportedly still subjected to confinement, painful procedures, and high-output farming conditions designed to maximise profit rather than wellbeing. Sustainability narratives and premium labels may obscure realities such as overcrowding, early separation of calves from mothers, and production-driven breeding that places physical strain on animals.
As the market continues to expand in value, relying on consumer trust and regulatory oversight, stronger intervention is urgently needed. Without robust enforcement, transparency, and meaningful penalties, welfare violations may persist across supply chains. This petition calls for stricter inspections, clearer labelling, and tougher consequences for practices that may cause unnecessary suffering to animals in Europe’s meat and dairy industries.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Commissioner Kyriakides,
We are writing to express concern over the ongoing expansion and profitability of Europe’s meat and dairy sector amid longstanding animal welfare concerns. While the industry promotes ethical sourcing and premium standards, animal protection groups have repeatedly alleged that many animals continue to suffer within intensive production systems.
As reported by advocacy organisations, animals raised for meat and dairy may be subjected to confinement, stress, and practices that prioritise output over wellbeing. Premiumisation and sustainability messaging risk masking these practices, leaving consumers unable to make fully informed ethical choices.
We respectfully urge the European Commission to strengthen animal welfare enforcement across member states. Please pursue stricter inspections, transparent welfare disclosures, and meaningful penalties where violations are found, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the cost of animal suffering.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Federico Arnaboldi
