91999E1991

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1991/99

by Mogens Camre (UEN) to the Commission

(9 November 1999)

Subject: Transport of horses

On 11 October 1999, the German TV channel, ZDF, broadcast a programme produced by Manfred Karremann about the transport of live horses from the Baltic States to Italy.

Horses are transported in lorries and spend 100 hours travelling in conditions that fly in the face of all animal welfare principles.

Is the Commission aware of such transport operations, and can it intervene to put a stop to what is an infringement of EU rules on the transport of animals?

Joint answer to Written Questions E-1991/99 and P-2144/99 given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission

(22 December 1999)

The Commission is aware of the problems in relation to animal welfare reported in the German television broadcast. Reports by its veterinary inspectorate and complaints from various animal welfare organisations also indicate that problems continue to exist in this domain.

When animals arrive at the frontier of the Community in a condition where they are clearly not fit for further transport, it is however the Member State concerned which is obliged to take the necessary action to protect the welfare of the animals involved by giving them proper care and attention with a sufficient resting period.

Concerning the activities of the Commission, several veterinary inspection missions have been carried out in Gorizia and Prosecco where the horses normally enter the territory of the Community. Following the missions, detailed recommendations were submitted to the Italian authorities and some improvements have been noted. Unfortunately recent complaints and the images shown by the German television indicate that these improvements may not have been permanent.

The Commission is still in the process of recruiting inspection personnel and a number of new staff have specific responsibilities for monitoring the implementation of animal welfare legislation which applies in the Member States. The Commission is aware of the increasing importance attached to animal welfare by consumers and will continue to ensure that, amongst its other responsibilities, animal welfare will be given corresponding importance.

The Commission is reviewing the matter and will not hesitate to initiate the procedure provided in Article 226 (ex-Article 169) EC Treaty, should this prove necessary.

The Commission believes that the most effective way to achieve a widespread improvement in animal welfare standards is to work towards an international consensus on this issue. For this purpose, in the World trade organisation negotiating round, the Commission will be trying to ensure that the issue of animal welfare is addressed on a multilateral basis.