WRITTEN QUESTION P-0704/04 by Guido Sacconi (PSE) to the Commission. Transport of poultry.
Date: 2004-03-04
Institutions: European Parliament, Provisional data
Subjects: animal welfare, length of journey, live poultry, protection of animals, transport of animals

3.4.2004

EN

Official Journal of the European Union

C 84 E/443

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(1 April 2004)

The following reply is in addition to the Commission’s reply to the Honourable Member’s Written
Question E-0760/03.

The Scientific Steering Committee adopted an opinion at
its meeting of 10 and 11 April 2003,
recommending that the process of combustion of animal fats could be regarded as safe for animal fats
derived from Categories 2 and 3 materials under certain circumstances, but cannot be assessed, due to a
lack of information, for animal fats derived from Category 1 materials.

Following this opinion, further information on Category 1 materials has been made available for evaluation
by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA).

The draft proposal in preparation for the approval of alternative processes has been discussed extensively
with Member State experts and has been amended on the basis of these discussions. As such the different
revisions of the document quoted by the Honourable Member does not have any legally binding effect.

The Commission expects an opinion from EFSA on the alternative combustion process before the end of
2004. The scientific recommendations will constitute the basis for further discussions with Member States
and with the industry concerned. At this time it is not possible to predict the wording of the final text
approving the process.

(2004/C 84 E/0516)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-0656/04

by John Bowis (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(9 March 2004)

Subject: Mobile neutering units

Does the Commission recognise the value of mobile cat neutering units in the context of controlling
animal disease and the rise in the number of feral cats in Member States? Is the Commission aware of a
new law in Italy to ban the use of mobile neutering units for domestic cats?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(19 March 2004)

The neutering of cats, notably as a way to deal with the problems of feral animals or for other veterinary
reasons, is not a matter which falls within the scope of Community law.

It follows, therefore, that Member States have the exclusive competence to decide the conditions under
which such neutering may take place within their territories including the imposition of restrictions on the
use of mobile units.

(2004/C 84 E/0517)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0704/04

by Guido Sacconi (PSE) to the Commission

(4 March 2004)

Subject: Transport of poultry

EU citizens have repeatedly expressed concern for the conditions in which animals destined for slaughter
or further fattening are kept, and the EP itself has called several times for an overall time limit for transport
of eight hours or 500 km.

C 84 E/444

Official Journal of the European Union

EN

3.4.2004

This concern regards all kind of animals, whose suffering should be limited by stricter rules.

The EC proposal for a review of the legislation on transport does not include any reference to stocking
densities, journey limits, or stops for feeding and watering for poultry.

Several cases of transport of poultry which have involved serious problems of welfare and even death of
these animals have been reported; in some cases, hundreds of animals died because the cages in which
they were kept were broken by the cages above that crashed on to them.

Strict measures for the protection of poultry need to be introduced as a matter of urgency.

The EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) is currently producing evidence relating to the transport of
poultry.

How and when will the Commission introduce standards for poultry within the debate for a new
Regulation?

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(2 April 2004)

The Commission is aware of the animal welfare problems that may occur in the transport of poultry
mentioned by the Honourable Member. The Commission proposal now under discussion in the Parliament
and in the Council already includes general animal welfare requirements for the protection of poultry
during transport aimed at improving the current situation.

Furthermore, in October 2002 the Commission requested the Scientific Committee on Animal Health and
Animal Welfare to examine the issue in order to elaborate a detailed scientific opinion on the protection of
poultry during transport.

As the Scientific Committee for Animal Health and Animal Welfare (Schahaw) had not completed its
evaluation at the time of transfer of competence for scientific advice from the Commission to the
European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), the request was taken over by the EFSA Panel and Animal Health
and Welfare.

Once the EFSA opinion becomes available the Commission will consider presenting a proposal to
introduce additional standards for poultry.

(2004/C 84 E/0518)

WRITTEN QUESTION P-0709/04

by Pasqualina Napoletano (PSE) to the Commission

(4 March 2004)

Subject: Alcatel crisis (Rieti)

With regard to the decision by the multinational company Alcatel to restructure and even close the
facilities at Rieti and Battipaglia, and since several questions have already been put to the Commission
highlighting the importance of preserving these facilities in order to safeguard employment and the high
level of technology provided in a significantly under-developed area, could the Commission indicate:

1. whether the Italian authorities have referred the serious crisis affecting Alcatel to the European

Commission;

2. what initiatives the Commission has it within its powers to take;

3. how it can ensure that the owners and public authorities responsible guarantee the workers’ right, in
line with principles laid down in current European regulations, to precise and transparent information
on a restructuring process that is jeopardising a major technological pole and employment itself?