EU signs Council of Europe Convention on the welfare of animals during international transport
David Byrne, Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, welcomed the update to the Convention: "The welfare of animals during transport is a matter close to the heart of many Europeans and I welcome any improvement in conditions. I was disappointed that Member States could not reach an agreement on the Commission's recent proposal to tighten EU transport conditions, but I still hope for a solution soon."
What changes does the revised Convention bring?
The original version of the Convention governed the carriage of animals in general. The revised version contains basic protective provisions that apply to all animal species, as well as detailed provisions for the most frequently transported animals, i.e. cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses. While a large proportion of the animals transported today are to be slaughtered in the country of destination, the Convention calls for more slaughter of the animals in the country of origin.
Some of the animal welfare improvements contained in the Convention are also reflected in the relevant Commission proposal.[1] Both texts aim to ensure that the chain of responsibility for animal transport is transparent – so you know who is responsible for what and when. Both texts also contain considerably stricter provisions for long journeys.
Why is the European Union signing the Convention?
The EU attaches great importance to a high standard of protection for transported animals, both within the EU and beyond its borders.
That is why, alongside the individual Member States, the EU itself will become a contracting party to the European Convention on the Protection of Animals during Transport. Member States must sign and ratify the Convention in parallel with the EU.
With its signature, the EU intends to speed up this process at national level. The following Member States have already signed the revised Convention: Belgium, Germany, Finland, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Other signatory states are Croatia, the Republic of Moldova, Norway, Romania and Turkey.
When does the Convention enter into force?
The Convention must first be ratified by at least four countries (the EU counts as one country for these purposes). It will come into force exactly six months after the fourth country has officially informed the Council of Europe about the ratification. The Commission hopes that this will be the case within a year.
[1] Proposal for a Council Regulation on the protection of animals during transport - COM(2003) 425 final.
Source: Brussels [eu]
