92001E2397

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2397/01

by Theresa Villiers (PPE-DE) to the Commission

(20 August 2001)

Subject: Transport of animals in Spain

The Commission has recently published a report on a mission carried out in Spain in May and June 2000 concerning animal transportation. The report reveals a wide range of problems, including overcrowding, the transport of unfit animals, and the use of vehicles for long journeys which do not meet the vehicle standards required by Council Regulation 411/98(1) for journeys exceeding 8 hours. Cattle originating from other Member States are transported through Spain and are then shipped to North Africa on roll-on, roll-off vessels. Most of the route plans seen by the Commission at the Spanish exit port were for journeys of more than 100 hours. The Spanish authorities fail to require the cattle to be unloaded and rested for 24 hours at the exit port.

What steps is the Commission taking to persuade Spain to ensure that Community law on the protection of animals during transport is properly enforced?

(1) OJ L 52, 21.2.1998, p. 8.

Answer given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(27 September 2001)

The Commission report in question, in particular its recommendations, is a priority instrument in encouraging improved implementation of Community legislation relating to animal welfare. In addition, infringement proceedings in this domain have already been opened by the Commission against Spain in connection with deficiencies noted in an earlier mission report.

The Commission intends to intervene further with the Spanish authorities in order to ensure correction of the deficient implementation of the requirements of Community legislation on the protection of transported animals noted in the more recent report mentioned by the Honourable Member.

Questions raised by the Spanish authorities, concerning the correct interpretation of the provisions to which the Honourable Member refers, are currently being examined by the Commission.