Korea to implement livestock welfare guidelines

Korea intends to introduce international guidelines on livestock welfare improvement in an effort to support the humane-treatment-of-farm-animals movement, the National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service said Wednesday (Mar 24).

The agency said it seeks to certify farms that raise animals in a comfortable and safe environment.

The certificate aims to inform consumers about the meat they are eating and whether it comes from farms that provide adequate space for their livestock.

Current practices of raising animals in cramped cages, coops and pens necessitate the use of large quantities of antibiotics to keep the animals from falling sick.

The proposed welfare measures are in line with the guidelines of World Organization for Animal Health for the raising, transportation, butchering or culling of livestock around the world, reported the agency.