The European Commission has dropped proposals to introduce tougher animal transport regulations.
The new regulations were aimed at improving animal welfare through reducing journey times, lowering stocking densities and imposing greater restrictions on the onward movement of animals passing through markets.
In Europe alone, Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) estimates that six million farm animals a year are transported on long journeys often taking three days or more.
Loopholes
However, CIWF said it was pleased the regulations had been dropped. It said the proposals contained too many ‘loopholes’ which would have allowed for longer journey times in comparison to the current regulation set in 2005.
The new regulations proposed a ten-hour journey limit. However, this could be exceeded if a health certificate, ensuring the animals physical fitness to travel, was produced.
This would allow for up to 40 hours travel time without a 24-hour rest.
‘The problem does not only lie in the current regulation but in its enforcement.’ said CIWF Chief Policy Advisor Peter Stevenson.
Useful links
EU animal welfare rules
CIWF
