WRITTEN QUESTION E-1288/01 by Struan Stevenson (PPE-DE) to the Commission. Transport of live animals ‐ Eid-el-kebir.
Date: 2001-05-03
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: France, Islam, customs and traditions, infringement of EU law, slaughter of animals, transport of animals, veterinary legislation

11.12.2001

EN

Official Journal of the European Communities

C 350 E/109

concern the establishment of horizontal assessment programmes, conditions applicable to residence
permits issued under the directive and other matters. As part of the coordination procedure it is intended
that Member States should provide information to the Commission on migrants admitted which may
include data on total numbers, occupations and professional qualifications. Thus Member States, when
admitting third country nationals for the purpose of employment, will have to respect the criteria laid
down in the directive once it is in force.

In this way a general overview of migration policy and practice will be developed which will provide the
basis for the identification of common problems and solutions at European level where appropriate.

(1) COM(2000) 757 final.
(2) See biannual update COM(2000) 782 final and COM(2001) 278 final.
(3) COM(2001) 387 final.
(4) Proposal for a directive on the conditions of entry and residence of third-country nationals for the purpose of paid

employment and self-employed economic activities (COM(2001) 386).

(2001/C 350 E/118)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1288/01

by Struan Stevenson (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Transport of live animals (cid:129) Eid-el-kebir

(3 May 2001)

Every year, tens of thousands of sheep in France are subjected to atrocious slaughter by unskilled people in
breach of EU regulations and religious tradition at the Eid-el-Kebir Festival in Paris.

Many of the methods of slaughter, where animals see each other die, are contrary to the detailed
procedures set out in Islamic tradition. Additional pain and suffering is caused when animals are killed by
unqualified people who do not have the necessary skills. The slaughter of animals in the open air rather
than in abattoirs defies Community legislation and the requests of the European Community to France to
enforce national law.

What will the Commission do to punish the French government for their flagrant disregard of EU law?

Why, despite repeated requests, has the Commission failed to take action to prevent this illegal practice?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(26 June 2001)

The Commission is well aware of the many complaints concerning the treatment of animals during this
event. The fact that the French authorities have organised or tolerated the slaughter of a large number of
animals under conditions which are undoubtedly in breach of Community legislation is not acceptable.

Member States are responsible for the enforcement of Community legislation concerning the slaughter and
killing of animals in accordance with the provisions of Council Directive 93/119/EC of 22 December
1993, on the protection of animals at the time of slaughter or killing (1).

The Commission has been in regular contact with the French authorities on this matter, and before the
Eid-el-Kabir 2001 there were direct contacts with the responsible French Minister.

The Commission was informed of a number of improvements in the organisation of the 2001 event. In
addition, the Commission was assured that all outdoor sites will be eliminated before 2004, and that in the
meantime the number of sites will be progressively reduced. It was pointed out that a more ambitious
timetable would risk serious public disorder. The Commission considers that this risk has to be taken
seriously.

C 350 E/110

Official Journal of the European Communities

EN

11.12.2001

Now that the Eid-el-Kabir 2001 is over, the Commission will assess the improvements actually made on
the basis of a report requested from the French authorities.

Should adequate progress not be maintained, the Commission will consider opening an Article 226 (ex
Article 169) of the EC Treaty infringement procedure.

(1) OJ L 340, 31.12.1993.

(2001/C 350 E/119)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1289/01

by Struan Stevenson (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Transport of live animals (cid:129) live animal transport ban

(3 May 2001)

In 1992, the Commission(cid:146)s Scientific Veterinary Committee (SVC) stressed that live transport (cid:145)should be
avoided whenever possible(cid:146). Despite this, huge numbers of animals are transported across Europe on
extremely long journeys during which they often suffer greatly. Much of this suffering could be avoided if
animals were slaughtered as near as possible to the farm of rearing and meat transported instead. Would
the Commission propose an end to the live transport of animals over long distances in favour of a more
regionalised meat trade? If not, what reasonable justifications can you give for not doing so?

(2001/C 350 E/120)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1291/01

by Struan Stevenson (PPE-DE) to the Commission

Subject: Transport of live animals (cid:129) lack of enforcement

(3 May 2001)

A briefing by Compassion in World Farming in the European Parliament demonstrated the complete
failure of the EU Transport Directive to protect animals during long journeys. Reports published by the
European Commission have revealed breaches of the Directive in Italy, France, Greece, Belgium and
Ireland.

What will the Commission do to enforce existing laws regarding:

(cid:129) the brutal handling of animals en route?

(cid:129) the transportation of injured and sick animals?

(cid:129) a mandatory twenty-four hour rest period as required by the Directive?

(cid:129) overcrowding and inadequate ventilation?

(cid:129) the use of low standard vehicles?

Joint answer
to Written Questions E-1289/01 and E-1291/01
given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(26 June 2001)

The necessity to limit the long distance transport of animals to absolutely essential journeys and to keep
any suffering to a minimum are especially important objectives for the Commission.

The Commission has opened infringement proceedings against Belgium, Greece and Spain in relation to
their failure to implement Community legislation in this field. The opening of infringement proceedings
against other Member States in relation to animal transport is also under consideration.