Ukrainian Authorities Study Dutch Expertise on Ruminant Animal Welfare

Learning from Dutch best practices

The programme combined in-depth presentations by the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) with visits to various farms and inspection facilities. Ukrainian specialists were introduced to:

• Dutch and EU legislation on ruminant welfare.
• The risk-based planning of inspections and enforcement.
• Typical non-compliance cases and the response policies.
• Tools used to ensure harmonised inspections nationwide.

Participants visited dairy farms, beef and sheep operations, and a veal production facility. These field visits included simulation-based inspections where NVWA experts demonstrated how welfare indicators are evaluated in practice.

Focus on transport, export readiness and slaughterhouse controls

A dedicated module addressed the protection of animals during transport, covering requirements for short- and long-distance journeys, vehicle approval procedures and roadside inspections.
The delegation also observed export-related welfare checks at an animal collection centre and learned about the responsibilities of official veterinarians in certification procedures.
During a visit to a slaughter facility, NVWA specialists explained how welfare standards are monitored from the arrival of animals through to slaughter, including staff training, standard operating procedures and compliance actions.

Strengthening Ukraine’s EU alignment

Upon completion of the visit, participants received certificates and discussed future cooperation with NVWA. Ukrainian authorities emphasised that the knowledge gained will support:

• Finalisation of national legislation harmonised with EU rules.
• Development of implementation guidelines and training materials.
• Unified approaches to state inspections and operator compliance.