WSPA criticises EU failure to reduce animals’ long-distance suffering
Today the European Commissioner, John Dalli, presented the long awaited report evaluating the current European animal transport regulation. Unfortunately, it fails to improve conditions for the millions of animals transported on long journeys across Europe each year, proposing no revision of the lacking existing rules. The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and other animal welfare NGOs urge EU citizens to demand that the suffering of animals transported over long journeys for slaughter or fattening is ended.
Dr Lesley Lambert, Campaign Director at WSPA, said: “This is the first time that the current Regulation was under review, presenting a major opportunity to significantly improve the welfare of millions of animals transported over vast distances. But the European Commission recommended that there be no amendment, merely better enforcement and harmonisation. An eight hour transportation limit is crucial to prevent animal suffering in Europe, as welfare problems are inherent in long-distance transport.”
Each year, millions of animals are transported huge distances across Europe, often in appalling conditions. Currently, the EU-wide Council Regulation 1/2005 regulates the conditions in which animals are transported, and sets different journey times for different animals, with sheep and goats permitted up to 29-hours travel, with a one hour rest, while 24-hours is the norm for pigs. As a result, animal transportation lasting up to several days is acceptable as long as the haulier fulfills certain demands concerning rest, feeding and watering of the animals; it is not uncommon for animals to travel from northern Europe to eastern Turkey. WSPA and other animal welfare charities argue this is far too long.
Additionally, lax enforcement means that even current regulations are often not adhered to. Investigations have repeatedly revealed evidence of horrific conditions on EU transport routes, including severe overcrowding leading to animals being trampled to death; horrific injuries such as goring from horns, lack of food or water and extreme temperatures leading to stress, dehydration and animals to collapse from exhaustion.
“This level of animal suffering is something many European citizens no longer accept,” Dr. Lambert said. “Animals should be humanely slaughtered as close as possible to the place where they were reared; WSPA together with other animal welfare organisations urge EU citizens to add their voices to the 850,000 already demanding an 8-hour transport limit by supporting the Europe wide 8 Hours campaign.”
WSPA and other animal welfare organisations hope that, presented with the signatures of one million EU citizens, politicians will realise that the legislative status quo is simply not acceptable and will be forced to review EC Regulation 1/2005.
The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) seeks to create a world where animal welfare matters and animal cruelty has ended. Active in more than 50 countries, we work directly with animals and with the people and organisations that can ensure animals are treated with respect and compassion. We hold consultative status at the Council of Europe and collaborate with national governments and the United Nations.