The legal requirements referred to in thematic and indicator factsheets are based on EU legislation. National regulations in EU Member States may exceed these requirements.

Council Directive 98/58/EC of 20 July 1998 lays down the minimum requirements for the protection of animals kept for farming purposes and requires owners or keepers to not cause unnecessary pain, suffering or injury, and inspect animals at least once a day or at intervals to avoid suffering.

Annex – Buildings and accommodation – no. 11

Animals kept in buildings must not be kept either in permanent darkness or without an appropriate period of rest from artificial lighting. Where the natural light available is insufficient to meet the physiological and ethological needs of the animals, appropriate lighting must be provided.

Annex – Animals not kept in buildings – no. 12

Animals not kept in buildings shall where necessary and possible be given protection from adverse weather conditions, predators and risks to their health.

Equines and ruminants have different digestive systems which require different management techniques. Equids rely on a more consistent grazing strategy to maintain proper gut fill. Access to pasture and grazing is important to maintain healthy digestion.

An animal welfare indicator factsheet based on the scientific review  ‘Restricted access to pasture and inadequate grazing in ruminants and equines‘ is scheduled for publication in 2025.