WRITTEN QUESTION P-2144/99

by Hiltrud Breyer (Verts/ALE) to the Commission

(18 November 1999)

Subject: Inadequate checks on the transport of horses for slaughter

Numerous shocking TV documentaries have been broadcast recently about the suffering experienced by horses for slaughter when being transported from eastern Europe to Italy. Their suffering could at least be reduced if appropriate checks were made at border crossings in Germany and Italy. In most cases, the lorries carrying the animals have already been travelling for more than 24 hours. Moreover, existing directives on the transport of animals are not being complied with in some Member States.

1. Will the Commission agree to make sure that the authorities carrying out checks at the borders allow consignments of horses to proceed only if the horses concerned have been unloaded, fed and watered and given a 24-hour rest period?

2. Does it not also take the view that the lack of concern and the laxity on the part of Italian border officials in Gorizia is totally unacceptable?

3. When will the Commission take its responsibility for monitoring compliance with existing directives seriously and increase the number of Food and Veterinary Office inspectors to twelve (from one), as called for by the Agriculture Council in June 1995?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1991/99 and P-2144/99 given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(22 December 1999)

The Commission is aware of the problems in relation to animal welfare reported in the German television broadcast. Reports by its veterinary inspectorate and complaints from various animal welfare organisations also indicate that problems continue to exist in this domain.

When animals arrive at the frontier of the Community in a condition where they are clearly not fit for further transport, it is however the Member State concerned which is obliged to take the necessary action to protect the welfare of the animals involved by giving them proper care and attention with a sufficient resting period.

Concerning the activities of the Commission, several veterinary inspection missions have been carried out in Gorizia and Prosecco where the horses normally enter the territory of the Community. Following the missions, detailed recommendations were submitted to the Italian authorities and some improvements have been noted. Unfortunately recent complaints and the images shown by the German television indicate that these improvements may not have been permanent.

The Commission is still in the process of recruiting inspection personnel and a number of new staff have specific responsibilities for monitoring the implementation of animal welfare legislation which applies in the Member States. The Commission is aware of the increasing importance attached to animal welfare by consumers and will continue to ensure that, amongst its other responsibilities, animal welfare will be given corresponding importance.

The Commission is reviewing the matter and will not hesitate to initiate the procedure provided in Article 226 (ex-Article 169) EC Treaty, should this prove necessary.

The Commission believes that the most effective way to achieve a widespread improvement in animal welfare standards is to work towards an international consensus on this issue. For this purpose, in the World trade organisation negotiating round, the Commission will be trying to ensure that the issue of animal welfare is addressed on a multilateral basis.