A few provisions of the Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2007 (WOFAR) have, since 2003, applied only to newly built or re-built premises.

These provisions will apply to all pig holdings from 1 January 2013. WOFAR implements the EU pig welfare directive which lays down minimum standards for the protection of pigs.

The provisions include:

• For concrete slatted floors – maximum slot widths and minimum slat widths.
• For sows and gilts, minimum lengths specified for the sides of pens.
• For sows and gilts, minimum unobstructed floor area and dimensions for solid floors.

Further information can be found in the information document to pig producers below which also provides further detail and clarification on the provisions.

14 August 2012: Information for pig producers (PDF)

The welfare standards as set out in the Pig welfare directive form part of cross-compliance regulations.

Producers requiring further specific advice about compliance with these new provisions can contact either the local Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency (AHVLA) office or Assurance Scheme body.