Julie Girling

“I am wholeheartedly against the unnecessary suffering of any animals who are submitted to undue stress while undergoing transportation. Today, too many animals are still transported under unacceptable conditions across Europe.

Following a request from the European Commission, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Panel on Animal Health and Welfare (AHAW) were asked to deliver a scientific opinion concerning the welfare of animals during transport. The report concerns the main farm species and covers fitness for transport; means of transport; transport practices; watering and feeding intervals; journey times and resting periods; additional provisions for long journeys and space allowances.

According to current legislation animal transports up to several days are acceptable as long as the haulier fulfils simple demands concerning rest, feeding and watering of the animals. EC studies have shown that these simple welfare actions are often not taken at all. If operations ignore the law then it needs to be changed.

Current EU legislation allows for animals to be transported for several days. This has to be changed. Live animals for slaughter should never be transported for more than eight hours.”