MEPs call for a shift from transporting live animals to transporting meat and carcasses
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EU rules for the transport of animals are outdated, confusing and poorly enforced
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The EU must intensify its efforts to respect animal welfare during transport
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Foster the shipment of meat over live animals, greater export control and a ban on transporting very young animals
After 18 months of fact-finding, the Parliamentary Inquiry Committee on the Protection of Animals in Transport adopted its conclusions and recommendations
Parliament inquiry into the protection of animals during transport (ANIT committee), set up in June 2020 to investigate alleged violations EU regulations finished work on Thursday. It was found that EU rules in this area are not always complied with in the Member States and do not fully take into account the different transport needs of animals.
MEPs gathered information from citizens and NGOs on animal welfare violations during transport. These violations included a lack of space, water or food. Also transporting non-transportable animals, overcrowding, using inappropriate vehicles, transport in extreme temperatures and extended travel times.
The report containing the main findings of the investigation was adopted with 30 votes in favor and one abstention
Based on the findings, ANIT MEPs approved a set of draft recommendations by 24 votes to 1, 5 abstentions. These include calling on the Commission and EU countries to step up efforts to respect animal welfare during transport and update EU rules.
MEPs want CCTV cameras in transport vehicles, especially during loading and unloading, to protect operators who comply with the rules. They also ask national authorities to approve animal travel plans only when the expected temperature is between 5ºC and 30ºC. The new regulations should introduce devices recording temperature, humidity and ammonia in vehicles.
MEPs call for a shift from transporting live animals to transporting meat and carcasses
MEPs also call on the Commission to establish travel time limits for all species of animals of all ages. They also call for a ban on the transport of very young animals under 35 days of age. Transport of unweaned animals over 35 days of age should be avoided and allowed only for journeys of less than two hours.
MEPs demand that member states control all shipments to countries outside the EU
MEPs support a move to a more efficient and ethical system that favors the transport of semen or embryos. They call on the Commission to urgently present, no later than 2023, an action plan to support this transition. While addressing the issue of a dedicated fund in this proposal, in order to minimize the socio-economic impact of the changes that need to be made.
MEPs say there is no system to control the transport of animals to countries outside the EU. They demand that Member States control all shipments to countries outside the EU. Additionally, with particular emphasis on the animals' access to feed and water, the functioning of drinking devices as well as space and heights for animals. The export of live animals should only be approved if it complies with European animal welfare standards.
Source: European Parliament
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