European and Mexican regulations on animal welfare in experimental and cultured aquatic animals

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the differences between the regulatory frameworks of the European Union and Mexico in terms of aquatic animal protection and welfare, in order to propose improvements in Mexican legislation.
Design/methodology/approach: Comparative study of legislative frame-works, the European Union regulatory framework on animal welfare, the current situation of Mexican regulations and the identification of gaps and areas of opportunity.
Results: The European Union has a comprehensive legislative framework that includes the regulation of animal husbandry, animal experimentation and transport, as well as aquatic organisms. Mexico has significant deficiencies, i.e., the absence of a General Animal Welfare Law and a clear lack of spe-cific regulation for aquatic animals.
Limitations on study/implications: There is no general animal welfare law for Mexico; therefore, improvements are proposed in consideration of the European Union's regulatory framework.
Findings/conclusions: