The Welfair / AWIN ™ certification in Animal Welfare is an independent certificate approved by the Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries (IRTA) in collaboration with the Basque Institute for Agricultural Research and Development Neiker-Tecnalia® based on the European Welfare Quality and AWIN® standards, which evaluates and controls the quality of animal welfare on farms, growth areas and slaughterhouses, in an exhaustive manner, in the following species: cattle, pigs, sheep and for chickens, rabbits and turkeys.
The Animal Welfare WELFAIR™ certification scheme, based on the Welfare Quality and Awin® standards, is a certification that specifies the animal welfare requirements to be met by livestock farms and slaughterhouses. Unlike other animal welfare schemes, the audits are based on direct observation of the animal itself, through the evaluation of 4 principles:
- Good nutrition
- Good accomodation
- Good health
- Appropiate behavior
Within these 4 principles, 12 different but complementary animal welfare criteria are identified.
Each animal species is evaluated according to the Welfare Quality Protocol and AWIN® specific for it by auditors authorized and qualified by the Welfare Quality platform and AWIN® in the matter. After the evaluation, a score is obtained that will give rise to the level at which the audited establishment is located. In the event that the minimum level established for each case is exceeded, and starting at all times from compliance with the applicable legal requirements, the establishment will obtain certification.
Welfair page: www.animalwelfair.com