The EU Commission should impose penalties on member states failing to apply EU rules on live exports correctly, MEPs say.
EU states should prosecute breaches with effective penalties, including confiscating vehicles and compulsory retraining for staff.
Resolution
In a resolution, adopted by 411 votes in favour to 43 against with 110 abstentions, MEPs renewed parliament’s 2012 call for a strong and uniform enforcement of the 2005 EU law on protecting transported animals.
The resolution calls for:
MEPs also want a science-based update of EU rules on transport vehicles
MEPs also want to deploy modern technology to improve enforcement of current rules, including geolocation systems to track animals’ location and the duration of journeys, and a real-time feedback loop between points of departure and arrival.
They pushed for a new 2020-2024 animal welfare strategy and a clear definition of what constitutes fitness for transport.
Parliament calls on national authorities to:
Transport
MEPs also want a science-based update of EU rules on transport vehicles to ensure sufficient ventilation and temperature control, appropriate drinking and liquid feed systems, reduced stocking densities and vehicles adapted to the needs of each species.
They also want the Commission to specify appropriate journey times for different species.
“Actors in the transport chain need to live up to their obligations, whether they are farmers, traders of animals, veterinarians, or transport companies,” said rapporteur Jorn Dohrmann.
The resolution recommends setting up an inquiry committee on the welfare of animals transported within and outside the EU at the beginning of the next parliamentary term.
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