EU to sign animal transport pact
It revises the existing convention adopted in 1968 and introduces what are regarded as major improvements for animal welfare consistent with recent commission proposals and existing EU legislation.
The convention lays down the general conditions for transporting animals, such as the design of the transport, the health and handling of animals and veterinary controls and certificates. It also sets out special conditions for the transport of animals by road, air, sea and rail.
In October 2001, the EU Council of Ministers gave the commission a mandate to negotiate a revision of the convention. These negotiations closed in June 2002.
A large proportion of animals carried in international transport are destined for slaughter in the country of destination.
The convention aims to restrict this traffic to carcass meat and encourage animals to be slaughtered in the country of origin.
The commission said it attached great importance to providing protection for animals, both in the EU and internationally.
“The signing of this convention will be a major step towards improving the welfare of animals throughout wider Europe. The new legislation will operate in parallel with EU and national law,” the commission said.
