2023 Annual Report of the Regional Platform on Animal Welfare for Europe

We are pleased to share the annual report for the Regional Platform on Animal Welfare for Europe.

2023 was a pivotal year for the Platform to conclude a successful implementation of the 3rd Action Plan (2021 – 2023) and to build the following Action Plan for 2024 – 2026.

Key achievements:

>  Implementation of the 3rd Action Plan – achieved 87% completion of planned activities, emphasizing continuous progress and successful adaptation to Members’ needs. The Platform focused on five priority topics: transport of animals, slaughter of animals, dog population management, animal welfare during disasters, and the welfare of working equids.

• Slaughter of Animals: Developed a concept note for an e-module on animal slaughter, aiming to facilitate access to training materials for veterinarians and paraprofessionals.
• Transport of Animals: Strengthened the Network of National Contact Points on Long-Distance Transportation.
• Dog Population Management: Launched SAM4DPM, a self-assessment and monitoring tool and conducted workshops for the Balkan and West Eurasia regional roadmaps
• Animal Welfare During Disasters: Successfully concluded the Balkans pilot project and initiated a new three-year project, broadening scope and enhancing collaboration with Members and partners.
• Welfare of Working Equids: Revised the objective of the 3rd Action Plan through intensive consultation and organizing an online seminar to align activities with Members’ needs.

>  Building the 4th Action Plan 2024 – 2026 ensuring continuity with previous activities, building their achievements, responding to the Members’ needs and adjusting to the available resource’s. The new action plan was developed through extensive consultations and an External Evaluation process to ensure participative and long-term strategy approach.

2023 witnessed the successful implementation of the 3rd Action Plan and laid the groundwork for the future with the initiation of the 4th Action Plan. The Platform remains committed to improving animal welfare standards, guided by Member needs and constructive feedback from stakeholders.

The Platform’s annual report provides further details and key achievements and activities completed in 2023.