Copa-Cogeca has indicated that the requirements for the transportation of animals must be species specific and based on science. This follows a decision by MEPs to reject stricter proposals to change animal transport legislation.
The representative body for farmers and cooperatives in Europe made the statement after the vote in relation to recommendations tabled by the EU Committee of Inquiry on the Protection of Animals during Transport (ANIT).
Copa-Cogeca stated that only animals suitable for movement should be transported, and sick or injured animals should be taken care of as soon as possible.
It added that that scientific research and practical experience have shown that the quality of transport and fitness to travel should be the primary priorities.
Support for the principle of species-tailored transport timing based on the principle of “as little as possible, as much as necessary”, was also expressed.
Copa-Cogeca reiterated that “any revision of legislation must protect animals, be backed by science and become easier to implement”.
Miguel Angel Higuera, Chair of the Copa-Cogeca animal welfare working party, commented that: “When discussing the limitation or even a ban on transport of certain categories of animals, for instance unweaned or gestating animals, we cannot support that a specific age or time for transport is set before a thorough scientific and socio-economic impact is performed.”
Higuera said he hoped that the European Commission would take the body’s concerns into account if there is a revision of animal welfare legislation in the coming months.
LSL News.