Why your voice matters and how to participate

Historic opportunity

This is a rare chance to help improve animal welfare laws in the EU.

This can’t wait

The clock is ticking. Act now!

No need to be an expert

Your unique perspective is what matters.

Use your own words

Duplicates won’t count!

Be part of making history today

The European Commission has been delaying proposing animal welfare improvements for years, but has finally opened a public consultation in order to find out what the public thinks should happen. This is a rare chance to make your voice heard for animals and contribute to the making of new animal welfare policy which could have real impact for millions of animals.

What’s going on and why it’s a big deal

You might be asking, ‘why now?’ Well, the Commission promised to ban cages for hens and make lots of other improvements to animal welfare legislation back in 2021. Officials have been dragging their heels but are finally asking the public what they think, which is part of the official process for new laws to be made. We have until mid-December to make our voices heard.

The stage we’re at and why your input is essential

Getting to this point has involved rigorous planning, tireless activism, and extensive policy discussions. Now, the Commission is finally asking you what you think about animal welfare in the EU before they propose new legislation. Among other things, they want to hear from you about whether keeping animals in cages on farms should be banned, whether the killing of day-old male chicks should be outlawed and whether new improved standards enacted should also be applied to products produced outside but imported into the EU. However, the fact that Commission officials are asking about these issues doesn’t mean anything is guaranteed. Unless they hear from a lot of us that we support these welfare improvements, it will be easy for them to leave animal welfare changes on the drawing board. It’s up to you to make sure that doesn’t happen.

The unimaginable scale of impact

This isn’t about a single animal – or even a few thousand; it’s about disrupting an entire system that perpetuates cruelty and suffering on an unimaginable scale. This is an unprecedented opportunity to put an end to some of the most horrific practices inflicted on animals, such as cage confinement, painful mutilations, and cruel killings. It’s a chance to alter the course of history for millions of animals. And it’s not just about the EU; the changes we make will send ripples across the world, potentially influencing animal welfare standards everywhere.

Why YOUR voice matters

You might be wondering why this questionnaire matters. Here’s the thing: policymakers are gathering input from all sides right now. Those who profit from the current system will certainly share their perspective – which is exactly why the European Commission needs to hear from people like you who care about animal welfare.

The reality of opposition

Industry voices will certainly be part of this consultation. But here’s what matters: when people who care about animals show up and participate, we demonstrate real public support for change. Your voice is a crucial part of that.

Overcoming hurdles: your guide to the EU consultation questionnaire

Taking action like this is a big deal. While our tutorial video walks you through the EU consultation questionnaire step by step, we know that everyone’s experience is different. Maybe you want to mull over your answers or you find questionnaires like this a bit overwhelming. That’s completely okay. What counts is that you’re here, ready to make a stand. However effortful this might be for you, your input has the power to drive monumental changes for countless animals. Don’t let yourself be discouraged!

Can we really make a difference?

You might be asking yourself if we even stand a chance. But we want to make it clear that our voices, when combined, are the only things that can make change. Speaking up as part of the official consultation process creates undeniable evidence of public demand that policymakers cannot ignore.

Still have questions?

Feel free to check the FAQ section or watch the tutorial video for more detailed guidance.

FAQ

Do I need to be an expert to fill out the EU consultation questionnaire?

No, you don’t need to be an expert. Make sure you watch the video tutorial we prepared for you!

How long will this take?

The time varies. For some, it’s quick; for others, it might take a bit longer. We estimate that this could take around 15 minutes. However long it takes, it’s a small sacrifice for a huge gain for animals.

Can I copy and paste someone else’s comments to save time?

Absolutely not. It’s crucial that each response is unique. If the Commission detects duplicate entries they will be marked as a ‘campaign’, meaning your response won’t be given as much weight as it deserves, so copying and pasting someone else’s comments will actually harm our efforts. Your unique voice is what will make a difference in this campaign, so please take a few moments to share your own thoughts and perspectives. Make sure to watch the video to be armed with all the tools you need.

Is my data safe?

Yes, the EU’s platform adheres to the strictest data protection laws.

What if I don’t live in the EU?

The beauty of this consultation is that it has global implications. Therefore, anybody from anywhere in the world is invited to take part. The well-being of animals doesn’t have borders, and neither should our efforts to improve it.

Is the questionnaire available in my language?

The EU consultation questionnaire is available in all 24 official languages of the EU. We understand that this may not include your first language, but don’t let this deter you. If your first language isn’t offered, and you’re not fluent in commonly spoken languages like English, consider using a translation tool or asking a multilingual friend for assistance. Your voice is too important to be silenced by a language barrier.