14. February 2019

France | Strasbourg | Vote on the report on the implementation of (EC) No. 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport

Pictures of our lambs-investigation are shown in front of the Parliament in Strasbourg.

Members of the European Parliament supporting animal welfare in the upcoming European elections.

Vote on the report on the implementation of the Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005.

Members of the European Parliament stand up for improvements in animal transport (f.l. Stefan Eck, Thomas Waitz, Anja Hazekamp)

Today the European Parliament votes on the report on the implementation of the Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005: An important day for the animals which are transported each day on Europe’s roads and beyond. The report is critical and contains may suggestions for improvements, which we are demanding for a long time.

First, in front of the parliamentary building, an action organized by Anja Hazekamp from the Netherlands party for the animals takes place. There are member NGOs of the Eurogroup for Animals, which we also belong to, but also members of the European Parliament (MEP) who stand up for improved animal transports and reduced transport times. On site, videos of our investigations are presented. It is touching to see the pictures of the lambs from our latest investigation in Italy in front of the pompous building of the European Parliament. Before the vote starts, we also participate in the meeting of the Intergroup on the Welfare and the Conservation of Animals. Here, the new campaign “Vote for Animals 2019” is launched, where MEPs can pledge for more animal welfare.

At half past twelve the MEPs have the opportunity to raise their voice for the animals. Members of the EPP reject some key demands, as e.g. a stop of animal transports to third countries. We have hoped for more; nevertheless, the result is a step into the right direction. Among others, the Parliament calls for more unannounced checks and increased penalties, bilateral agreements with third countries in order to ensure animal welfare, and the reduction of transport times of animals which are not yet weaned to a maximum of eight hours. In addition, a shift from live animal trade to meat as well as regional production circles with direct sales and mobile slaughter shall be promoted.

Though the report cannot be put on a level with a law, it is a measure to put pressure on the Commission and we hope, that that finally leads to real actions in favour of the animals. We will work on that and continue to check on the animals’ conditions on board of trucks or ships.