WRITTEN QUESTION P-2337/00 by Astrid Thors (ELDR) to the Commission. Transport of live animals.
Date: 2000-07-04
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: Belgium, France, Greece, aid to agriculture, animal welfare, eligibility criteria, infringement procedure (EU), transport of animals

20.3.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 89 E/185

(2001/C 89 E/207)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-2337/00

by Astrid Thors (ELDR) to the Commission

(4 July 2000)

Subject: Transport of live animals

Recent reports indicate that the directive on the transport of live animals is still being infringed in the
European Union. The rules on rest periods are not being adhered to, vehicles are not equipped as specified
in the directive and monitoring of compliance with the directive. is inadequate or non-existent.

Is the Commission considering instituting infringement proceedings against countries which, according to
official monitoring reports (Mission report on a veterinary mission to France, 26.4-1.5.1998, Mission
report on a veterinary mission to Belgium, 13.9-18.9.1998, Mission report on a veterinary mission to
Greece, 12.10-16.10.1998), are failing to comply with the requirements of Directive 91/628/EEC (1), as
amended by Directive 95/29/EC (2)? Will it conduct a study of the animal welfare aspects of agricultural
subsidies?

(1) OJ L 340, 11.12.1991, p. 17.
(2) OJ L 148, 30.6.1995, p. 52.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(20 September 2000)

All Member States have transposed Council Directive 91/628/EEC of 19 November 1991 on the
protection of animals during transport and amending Directive 90/425/EEC and 91/496/EEC, as amended
by Directive 95/29/EC of 29 June 1995 (1), into their national law.

The Commission is, however, aware that journeys which are in breach of the provisions of the Directive
are still taking place.

Member States are responsible for the day-to-day enforcement of Community legislation. Commission
experts, however, carry out periodic on-the-spot checks to ensure uniform application of the Directive and
that the Member States operate adequate controls to ensure compliance with its requirements.

These checks, together with evidence supplied by animal welfare organisations have revealed certain
shortcomings in the compliance by some Member States with the requirements of Community legislation.
As a result infringement proceedings based on Article 226 (ex-Article 169) of the EC Treaty have been
opened against several Member States.

The Protocol on protection and welfare of animals annexed to the EC Treaty (2) requires the Community
and Member States to pay full regard to the welfare requirements of animals in the formulation and
implementation of the Community(cid:146)s agricultural, transport, internal market and research policies. Indeed,
even before the protocol came into force Commission Regulation (EC) No 615/98 of 18 March 1998
laying down specific detailed rules of application for the export refund arrangements as regards the welfare
of live bovine animals during transport (3) linked the payment of export refunds on live cattle to the
observance of Council Directive 91/628/EEC during the journey up to the first place of unloading in the
country of destination.

A detailed report on the application of Community rules on animal transport will be made by the
Commission before the end of the year.

(1) OJ L 148, 30.6.1995.
(2) OJ C 340, 10.11.1997.
(3) OJ L 82, 19.3.1998.