More effective spending on animal welfare and improved enforcement efforts are required, according to a recent report by the European Court of Auditors (ECA).

In its first-ever report on the implementation of EU strategy for the protection and welfare of animals, the ECA examines the implementation of animal welfare legislation across the EU and identifies weaknesses in compliance with minimum standards – such as tail docking of pigs and rules surrounding the long distance transport of animals of unfit animals.

Within the report, the ECA calls for more effective enforcement of animal welfare legislation, as well as guidelines for compliance.