Agriculture Minister Jim Paice yesterday called on the European Commission to re-examine the rules surrounding transport of livestock, especially journey times, and to ensure existing rules are in line with the available scientific evidence.

Speaking at the Agriculture and fisheries Council, held in Luxembourg, Mr Paice said, the UK government would like to see livestock slaughtered as locally as possible. He said that if transporting live animals is necessary, the Commission should ensure the rules surrounding transportation are based on the best available scientific evidence so as to reduce the stress that long journeys may cause animals.

The European Parliament has made calls to the same effect and earlier this month submitted a petition with over a million signatures, including those of 400 MEPs, asking the Commission to reduce the maximum journey time for live animals, albeit with derogations for remote regions. However, the Commission rejected the MEPs’ overtures.  

Mr Paice yesterday told the council, “The UK would like to see a review of long journey rules to take account of existing and emerging scientific evidence, including that highlighted by the recent EFSA report, particularly in relation to revising the journey time down to a maximum of 12 hours for horses going to slaughter. We also wish to see discussion on greater protection for infant livestock, particularly calves, taking into account the Commission’s own written guidance on the treatment of unweaned calves on long journeys and considering the very long distances some unweaned calves have to travel, which can involve multiple cycles of 19 hour journeys.”

The Agriculture Minister, echoing comments made by other UK MEPs, including SNP politician Alyn Smith, stated that his government’s “number one priority is better enforcement of the existing legislation on welfare during transport, across the EU.” There have recently been moves to ensure compliance with transport regulations across all Eu member states.

The EU Council yesterday agreed on a set of conclusions on the new EU animal welfare strategy and the EU Commission’s report on its review of welfare during transport rules. The review did not suggest the Commission should investigate shortening the rules on long journeys.

The UK Government suggested that current EU rules, which were introduced in 2007, should be reconsidered in the light of recommendations made by the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) following a review conducted last year. The EFSA recommended redefining transport times on a species by species or individual animal basis. It also said climatic and thermal conditions should be taken into account. The watchdog also suggested shortening maximum journey times for horses and cattle.

In the UK, live animal transport remains a controversial topic; currently transport oversees for slaughter is conducted through Ramsgate Port, on one ship. Animal welfare organisations, as well as grass roots campaigners and the local Labour council have objected to the exports, stating the port and ship in question are not fit for purpose and are affecting the welfare of animals being transported.

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