Council Directive 98/58/EC of 20 July 1998 lays down the minimum requirements for the protection of animals kept for farming purposes and requires owners or keepers to not cause unnecessary pain, suffering or injury, and inspect animals at least once a day or at intervals to avoid suffering.

Article 3

Member States shall make provision to ensure that the owners or keepers take all reasonable steps to ensure the welfare of animals under their care and to ensure that those animals are not caused any unnecessary pain, suffering or injury.

Lameness is a major welfare issue for ruminants and equines, associated with pain and discomfort. Hoof care and proper identification of hoof problems are important in reducing the risk of leg and hoof disorders. Disorders, such as lameness, impact animals significantly in their mobility which further impacts their welfare. In severe cases, leg and hoof disorders may necessitate euthanasia. Regular, proper hoof care can greatly reduce the negative impact of leg and hoof disorders by reducing the risk of an issue or identifying a problem before it progresses.

Lameness is a major welfare issue for ruminants and equines, associated with pain and discomfort. Hoof care and proper identification of hoof problems are important in reducing the risk of leg and hoof disorders. Disorders, such as lameness, impact animals significantly in their mobility which further impacts their welfare. In severe cases, leg and hoof disorders may necessitate euthanasia. The identification of hoof issues is important in maintaining the welfare of ruminants and equines, which can be completed using validated scoring methods.