WRITTEN QUESTION E-2481/00

by Hiltrud Breyer (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(24 July 2000)

Subject: Animals for slaughter castration during transport by sea

Animal protection organisations have ascertained that male animals for slaughter (cattle and sheep) are being castrated at sea while being transported from EU ports to ports in Egypt. The castration of male animals for slaughter during transport by sea breaches Article 3(1)(b) in conjunction with Article 5(A)(1)(b) and, possibly, the second sentence of Article 3(2) of Directive 91/628/EEC(1), as amended by Directive 95/29/EC(2).

This legislation prescribes the avoidance of unnecessary suffering for animals to be transported. The castration of healthy male animals for slaughter during transport by sea, by persons untrained in veterinary medicine, causes the animals concerned unnecessary suffering.

Castration during transport by sea is not covered even if special authorisation for transport has been issued, pursuant to the first sentence of Article 3(2) of Directive 91/628/EEC as amended by Directive 95/29/EC, under Article 3(1)(c) of that Directive.

The justification for this practice, namely that it protects the country of destination against brucellosis, is unconvincing. The animals concerned could be castrated in their country of origin well before the start of transport and by persons trained in veterinary medicine.

1. Does the Commission have information or indications that male animals for slaughter (cattle and sheep) are being castrated at sea while being transported from EU ports to ports in Egypt?

2. What steps has the Commission taken or does it intend to take to stop such incidents or to prevent them happening in future?

3. From which EU Member States and in what numbers (separate figures for cattle and sheep) were male animals for slaughter exported to Egypt in 1999?

4. From which ports in EU territory were male animals for slaughter transported to Egypt in 1999 and which types of animal were transported by sea to Egyptian ports from each of the ports concerned?

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

(2) OJ L 148, 30.6.1995, p. 52.

Joint answer to Written Questions P-2463/00 and E-2481/00 given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(26 September 2000)

The Commission considers that carrying out operations such as castration whilst the animals are being transported is a breach of the requirement in Article 5A1(b) of Directive 91/628/EEC OF 19 November 1991(1) as amended by Council Directive 95/29/EC of 29 June 1995, on the protection of animals during transport(2). All animals require some time to recover from the trauma of such operations and it could be assumed that they are not fit for immediate onward travel.

Commission Regulation (EC) 615/98 of 18 March 1998(3) provides specific detailed rules of application for the export refund arrangements as regards the welfare of live bovine animals during transport to third countries. Under this Regulation every consignment of bovine animals sent to third countries is required to comply, during transport to the first place of unloading in the third country of final destination, with Community legislation in the field of the protection of animals during transport. In particular the Regulation provides for the checking of the animals after their arrival in the third country of final destination. If the result of these inspections (which must be carried out by a vet) is not satisfactory as far as animal welfare is concerned the payment of the export refund is refused or if already granted is recoverable.

The Commission has already received allegations that some male cattle and sheep shipped from some Member States to Egypt were castrated on vessels. However at this moment the Commission does not have evidence or even information that could support such allegations. The Commission has undertaken steps including consultation of the Member States involved with the aim to clarify the situation. It will take measures if necessary.

In 1999 21 593 male bovines for slaughter were exported from the Community to Egypt. 14 716 animals originated from Germany and 6 877 were exported from Italy. Export of live sheep rarely occurred (14 animals from the Netherlands).

(1) OJ L 340, 11.12.1991.

(2) OJ L 148, 30.6.1995.

(3) OJ L 82, 19.3.1998.