WRITTEN QUESTION E-0146/00

by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission

(31 January 2000)

Subject: Commission report on the veterinary mission carried out in Italy

On 13 October 1999 the Commission published a report on a veterinary mission to Italy. The report revealed serious breaches in Italy of Council Directive 91/628(1) on the protection of animals during transport including incomplete route plans for animals imported from third countries and the failure to require animals which have travelled long distances from third countries to be rested for 24 hours on arrival in Italy. Moreover, the requirements for vehicles carrying animals for longer than 8 hours were often not complied with, either by Italian or by third country vehicles.

In its previous mission to Italy, the Commission found serious shortcomings at the Italian border inspection posts near the Slovenian border. In its new report, the Commission concluded that, since its previous mission in 1997, no substantial progress has been achieved.

What steps is the Commission taking to require the Italian authorities to ensure that the requirements of Council Directive 91/628 are properly complied with?

(1) OJ L 340, 11.12.1991, p. 17.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(30 March 2000)

The welfare of animals transported by road from Eastern European and Baltic third countries to Italy via the border crossings of Gorizia and Fernetti-Prosecco continues to be a matter of concern to the Commission. In addition to the adverse reports of the Commission veterinary inspectors mentioned by the Honourable Member, the matter has been the subject of complaints from animal welfare organisations.

The Commission has intervened with the Italian authorities on a number of occasions concerning the inadequate enforcement of the national legislation transposing the requirements of Council Directive 91/628/EEC as amended by Council Directive 95/29/EC of 29 June 1995 concerning the protection of animals during transport(1). Although some short-term improvements were noted in respect of earlier interventions, it nevertheless appears that transport of the animals concerned is still frequently being carried out with inadequate respect of animal welfare requirements.

When horses are imported from Central and Eastern European third countries to Italy, the greater part of the journey has taken place before reaching the Community border. The enforceability of Community legislation regarding the protection of animals during transport taking place before the Community's frontier is still under examination. Irrespective of this question, it is clear that once the animals have reached the Community's frontiers there can be no doubt that the relevant rules are fully applicable.

There have been various contacts with the principal Central and Eastern European countries involved in the transport of livestock to the Community in relation to animal welfare, and the relevant legislation of those third countries has been obtained. The Commission will consider making more formal approaches to the third countries concerned in due course.

In this framework, and given the priority of the subject, the issue of long distance transport of animals and in particular horses will be discussed and analysed in the second meeting of chiefs of veterinary services of the associated countries on 28/29th March 2000.

The Commission will also in due course take a decision as to whether to open infringement proceedings under Article 226 (ex Article 169) EC Treaty in respect of Italy's failure to adequately enforce the rules of the animal transport directives.

(1) OJ L 148, 30.6.1995.