Short Section added to the treaty which created the European Union, the Amsterdam Treaty, which acknowledges animal welfare as a factor when creating policy positions.
" The High Contracting Parties,
Desiring to ensure improved protection and respect for the welfare of animals as sentient beings,
Have agreed upon the following provision, which shall be annexed to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
In formulating and implementing the Community's agricultural, transport, internal market and research policies, the Community and the Member States shall pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals, while respecting the legislative or administrative provisions and customs of the Member States relating in particular to religious rites, cultural traditions and regional heritage".