In practice, all Danish producers operate at higher standards than the minimum prescribed by EU Directives, and the Danish industry rears pigs at even higher standards to cater for the requirements of more discerning customers and consumers.

Examples of this include organic and free range production and the special ‘Contract for UK Production’, which meets the specific legislative requirements of the UK market, where any confinement of sows during pregnancy has not been permitted since 1999.

All EU Directives relating to pig welfare have been carefully implemented in Denmark. Examples where Danish legislation is stricter than the EU standards are the requirements in new buildings for fixed (non-slatted) flooring and the provision of showering systems for pigs to cool themselves in hot weather. In addition, Danish legislation lays down detailed rules for tail-docking and teeth-clipping of piglets beyond the requirements of the relevant EU Directives.