THE stated intention of the European Commission immediately to eliminate refunds for all EU exports of live cattle is being opposed by Agriculture and Food Minister Mary Coughlan.

THE European Commission has welcomed the EU Farm Council’s adoption of new regulations on animal transport, but Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) has criticised a decision by ministers to defer rules on journey times, rest periods and stocking densities.

THERE was a mixed reaction yesterday to the collapse of talks on new EU animal transport rules.

A PETITION signed by more than 7,500 people calling for an end to the long distance transport of animals, and its replacement by a trade in meat, will be handed into the Department of Agriculture and Food in Dublin today.