B4-0166, 0167 and 0205/95

Resolution on livestock welfare

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the Commission's statement of 20 January 1995 on livestock welfare,

- having regard to its opinion of 15 December 1993 on the proposal for a Council Directive amending Directive 91/628/EEC concerning the protection of animals during transport ((OJ C 20, 24.1.1994, p. 63.)) and its resolution of 15 December 1993 on the protection of animals ((OJ C 20, 24.1.1994, p. 68.)),

A. whereas, despite the new Commission proposal (COM(94)0252), the Council has still not managed to amend Directive 91/628/EEC,

B. whereas Parliament has proposed the adoption of very detailed Community rules on maximum transport duration and the provision of food and water,

C. whereas the suffering caused to both imported and exported animals, in particular those intended for slaughter, during transport within the EU must be stopped immediately, even if such infringements of existing legislation are only committed by a minority of animal transporters,

D. whereas the Commission proposal (COM(94)0315) to amend Council Directive 64/433/EEC could pave the way for the establishment of an appropriate network of abattoirs to reduce the transport of animals for slaughter to a strict minimum,

1. Notes the statement by the Commission and calls on it urgently to make an additional effort to achieve a fair compromise solution;

2. Calls on the Council to take an immediate decision on uniform rules for the transport of animals in the EU in the light of Parliament's above-mentioned opinion, and to make the granting of refunds for exports of live animals dependent on strict compliance with animal welfare and veterinary control;

3. Calls on the Commission to submit to Parliament and the Council proposals aimed at further reducing or stopping exports of live animals for slaughter, including measures granting preferential treatment even within the EU to the transport of meat rather than of live animals;

4. Welcomes the announcement by the Commission that it will submit before the end of 1995 the report referred to in Article 6 of Directive 91/629/EEC laying down minimum standards for the protection of calves ((OJ L 340, 11.12.1991, p. 28.)), and calls for this report to be accompanied by proposals aimed at banning the rearing of calves in crates in all the Member States, with provision for a transitional period;

5. Urges the Commission to provide for animal transportation journeys to be limited to a maximum of 8 hours, and to lay down clear standards for land, sea and air journeys, with regular monitoring by veterinary bodies so that transport conditions are improved;

6. Calls on the Commission to guarantee strict controls of animal conditions in transports coming from third countries;

7. Calls on the Commission to make financial assistance available to rural areas adversely affected by changes in regulations;

8. Calls on the Commission to propose a Community label as part of its consumer protection policy, to certify the quality of meat products and the conditions in which livestock are reared, transported and slaughtered;

9. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission and the governments of the Member States.