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Cattle in a stockyard, awaiting the next phase of their journey.
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At present, farm animals can be transported for very long distances within the European Union and beyond. Journeys may take days, and cause animals to suffer from overcrowding, lack of access to clean food or water, and extreme weather conditions. These long-distance journeys are noisy, often filthy, and terrifying for the animals, and have no place in any modern farming system.
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The deadline for comments has passed.
Please check back soon to learn about other ways you can help farm animals in the EU. |
In 2008, the European Commission solicited public comment on animal transport (the consultation closed August 7, 2008). The replies they received will help to influence new legislation which could outlaw the cruelty of long distance transport of farm animals.
Below you will find information Humane Society International provided to help individuals responding to the survey.
Before responding to the survey, please note that:
- in the section asking for "identification data" some of the compulsory questions refer to organisations. Please tick the box to say you are responding as an individual, and complete all compulsory fields, giving your own name when asked for the name of your organisation. Where you are asked about the size of your organisation, tick any box because the answers given by respondents answering as individuals will be ignored.
- the section listed as "PART ONE" is for animal transporters only, so please pass this section.
- the section listed as "PART TWO" is where your answers are needed; the following detailed guide provides further information on answers to these questions.
GUIDE TO SURVEY PART II
Please use this guide to help you with "PART TWO" of the questionnaire.
III.A.1. Regarding travelling times and space allowances, the current EU rules on the protection of animals during transport are well implemented and enforced within the Community. (optional)
Please answer: Fully disagree
Why? Available evidence suggests that enforcement is poor, and complaints have been made to the Commission by animal welfare organisations highlighting the need for improved enforcement of existing weak standards.
III.A.2. The current EU rules on the protection of animals during transport lay down easily understandable provisions to improve animal welfare. (optional)
Please answer: Fully disagree
Why? A simple journey-time limit would be easier to understand and may be more readily enforceable.
III.A.3. The fact that the current EU rules on the protection of animals during transport are not in compliance with the social regulation applicable to drivers causes problems. (optional)
Please do not answer—this question is optional.
Why? Animal welfare rules need to be enforceable, and therefore in compliance with regulation of drivers’ working time, but animal welfare rules should not be dependent on other criteria set.
III.A.4. In your opinion the evolution in the past five years of the conditions in which animals are transported within the Community have: (optional)
Please do not answer—the question is optional.
Why? It is difficult to assess the reality of conditions to which animals are subjected. Certainly, reports of animal suffering and breaches in the law are still commonplace.
III.B.1. POLICY OPTION 1: Do nothing—no changes to the current Regulation (EC) No 1/2005.
Please answer: Very negative for impact on welfare and health of animals, and very negative for environmental impacts (CO2 emissions, by-products from bedding, water tanks, cleaning/disinfecting operations).
III.B.2. POLICY OPTION 2: Self-regulation, co-regulation or guidance.
Please answer: Very negative impact on welfare and health of animals (stress, spread of animal diseases) and very negative to environmental impacts (CO2 emissions, by-products from bedding, water tanks, cleaning/disinfecting operations).
III.B.3.A. Limit transport to 8 hours for animals to be slaughtered.
Please answer: Very positive impact on welfare and health of animals (stress, spread of animal diseases) and very positive environmental impacts (CO2 emissions, by-products from bedding, water tanks, cleaning/disinfecting operations).
Why? A journey time limit of 8 hours is far too high, but it is far better in terms of animal welfare than the other options given, and would put a stop to the worst abuses of animals perpetrated by the animal transport industry. We will continue to campaign for an even shorter limit.
III.B.3.B. Categorised transport times and space allowances according to species.
Please answer: Very positive impact on welfare and health of animals (stress, spread of animal diseases).
Why? Very young animals or those in poor condition (such as "spent" dairy cows, sows and cull ewes) need special protection.
III.B.3.C. Commission proposal adopted in 2003.
Please do not answer.
Why? New proposals to limit journey times are needed.
Thank you!
Updated March 8, 2009
