A debate last week in the Parliament’s Agriculture and Rural Development (AGRI) and Transport (TRAN) committees on the revision of the Commission’s proposed legislation on live animal transports did not address the most pressing animal welfare concerns.
A joint report was presented by co-rapporteurs Tilly Metz and Daniel Buda but they only agreed on a number of technical amendments to the Commission’s legislative proposal from December 2023 on new rules during transport.
Tilly Metz (LU, Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance) is substitute member of both committees. She is also member of the European Parliament's Intergroup on the Welfare and Conservation of Animals, serving as its honorary president. Daniel Buda (RO, EPP) is vice-chair of the AGRI committee.
As they write in the explanatory statement in their joint report, the objective was to raise animal welfare standards while also respecting and protecting the interests of European farmers, guaranteeing a level playing field among the different stakeholders, strengthening the existing legal framework and ensuring the effective implementation of the rules in Member States.
The rapporteurs agreed that further discussions are needed with the shadow rapporteurs of other groups, namely on: journey times, temperatures, space allowances, transport to third countries, sanctions and the transport of aquatic species.
According to the Commission’s proposal, travel times will be shortened. During long journeys, animals must be unloaded for periods of rest, feeding and watering. Special rules will apply to animals for slaughter, and to vulnerable animals such as unweaned calves and pregnant animals.
However, export of live animals to non-EU countries will still be allowed under tightened rules. Long distance travel by sea will not be limited. As previously reported, the new provisions are not enough to prevent the cruelty in sea transports, according to animal welfare NGOs.
Animal welfare NGO FOUR PAWS calls on the MEPS to table amendments ensuring that the final proposal reflects genuine improvements for animal welfare.
“The debate last week has once again exposed the stark divide between the few who prioritise animal welfare and give weight to citizens expectations, and those who seek to dilute much-needed additional protection in favour of industry interests”, commented Joe Moran, Lobbying and Advocacy Director of FOUR PAWS.
“The upcoming months will be critical in shaping the future of animal transport rules in the EU,” he added. “FOUR PAWS will continue to advocate for meaningful reforms and hold decision-makers accountable to ensure that animal welfare remains at the heart of this legislative process.”
Next step will be the presentation of amendments by MEPs of the two committees by 11 April. The vote in the committees is expected to take place round October/November.
M. Apelblat
The Brussels Times
