Commission Regulation (EC) No 1407/98 of 1 July 1998 amending for the 12th time Regulation (EC) No 913/97 adopting exceptional support measures for the pigmeat market in Spain

COMMISSION REGULATION (EC) No 1407/98 of 1 July 1998 amending for the 12th time Regulation (EC) No 913/97 adopting exceptional support measures for the pigmeat market in Spain
THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community,
Having regard to Council Regulation (EEC) No 2759/75 of 29 October 1975 on the common organisation of the market in pigmeat (1), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 3290/94 (2), and in particular Article 20 thereof,
Whereas, because of the outbreak of classical swine fever in certain production regions in Spain, the Commission adopted Regulation (EC) No 913/97 (3), as last amended by Regulation (EC) No 1147/98 (4), to introduce exceptional support measures for the pigmeat market in that Member State;
Whereas the swift and effective implementation of the exceptional support measures has come up against problems of capacity in the rendering plants which are to process the piglets; whereas, therefore, their slaughter and storage in cold stores should be allowed;
Whereas, because the veterinary and trade restrictions continue to apply, the number of pigs for fattening and piglets which may be delivered to the competent authorities should be increased so that the exceptional measures can continue in the coming weeks and the list of eligible areas laid down in Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 913/97 should be adjusted in line with the current veterinary and health situation;
Whereas the discontinuation of the support measures as a result of the number of eligible piglets being used up has led to a substantial increase in the weight of the animals and, consequently, an intolerable situation as regards their welfare; whereas an increase in the number of eligible animals from 12 June 1998 is therefore warranted;
Whereas the measures provided for in this Regulation are in accordance with the opinion of the Management Committee for Pigmeat,