WRITTEN QUESTION E-2367/01

by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission

(6 August 2001)

Subject: Animal transport

In June the Council of Ministers adopted a resolution calling on the Commission to submit to the Council: (a) suitable proposals to (i) achieve effective implementation and strict enforcement of existing legislation, (ii) improve the protection and welfare of animals as well a preventing the occurrence and spread of infectious animal diseases; and (b) an animal health and welfare report on (i) issues arising from the transport of live animals, also taking into account the public interest to

prevent the spread of infectious animal diseases, and (ii) economic consequences for the European Union generally or for regions thereof of any changes proposed.

What proposals does the Commission intend to submit to the Council in response to the resolution, and what timetable does the Commission envisage?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(14 September 2001)

The protection of animals during transport is a priority for the Commission who fully shares the concerns expressed in the resolution adopted in June 2001 by the Council of Ministers, to which the Honourable Member refers.

In January 2001 a Commission report(1) on this issue was discussed at the Council of Ministers. On this occasion the Member States approved and supported the conclusions of the Commission. The Commission report concludes that Member States have had obvious difficulties in fully applying Community legislation in this field. The report also suggests that measures to encourage the slaughter of animals closer to the places where they are raised also merits examination. The Commission believes that stricter rules are essential for the improvement of the current situation and has already taken several initiatives including the presentation of two legislative proposals in this domain. The first proposal(2) for a Council Regulation concerning ventilation systems of road vehicles used for journeys exceeding eight hours, aims to improve the standards of the vehicles including requirements for a minimum ventilation rate and mandatory systems for monitoring the temperature inside the lorries. The second proposal(3) aims to obtain a mandate from the Council to negotiate the participation of the Community in the revised European Convention for the Protection of Animals during International Transport.

An additional proposal amending Council Directive 91/628/EEC of 19 November 1991 on the protection of animals during transport and amending Directives 90/425/EEC and 91/496/EEC(4) is under preparation aiming at introducing additional higher standards for animal transport, and at facilitating the administrative procedures to allow better enforcement and easier persecution of those responsible for the infringements. Furthermore following the outcome of a new opinion of the Scientific Committee on Animal Welfare, expected for the end of 2001, a redefinition of travelling times and loading densities may be proposed taking into account new scientific evidences.

In the preparation of any proposal introducing new animal welfare standards including the ones related to the protection during transport, the respect of animal health and public health is a priority for the Commission, in particular the prevention of the spreading of any animal disease.

(1) COM(2000) 809 final.

(2) COM(2001) 197 final.

(3) SEC(2000) 649 final.

(4) OJ L 340, 11.12.1991.