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The European Parliament is likely to vote in Strasbourg next week on animal transport proposals which could have a major impact on Ireland’s calf exports, according to Brussels sources.
Irish MEPs are likely to be split on the crucial vote, with some likely to support the measures as proposed.
Next week’s vote follows the December decision by the parliament’s Committee of Inquiry on the Protection of Animals during Transport (ANIT) to recommend a significant tightening of the regulations around the movement of livestock and ban the transport of unweaned calves under 35 days of age.
Some MEPs have urged caution as the proposals, even if passed, will then go to the European Commission for review and application
ANIT’s proposals could also impose transport-time limits of two hours for unweaned animals older than 35 days and a ban on the transport of pregnant animals in the last third of gestation.
Notably, the proposals will not only be applicable for animal transport between member states, but also within them.
However, some MEPs have urged caution as the proposals, even if passed, will then go to the European Commission for review and application.
Debate
Colm Markey MEP said it “won’t be a done deal for Ireland” and that these proposals may not impact the calf trade until 2024.
Markey said the European People’s Party (EPP) has agreed to “put the original compromised amendments back in”.
This would see the prohibition on the movement of calves being reduced from 35 days to 28 days.
“The reality is the amendments coming from last month’s ANIT committee meeting were tabled on the fly and are counterproductive.
“The proposals will do more to reduce animal welfare than improve it.”
Fianna Fáil MEP Billy Kelleher is planning to table “forward-looking” and “pro-animal welfare” amendments to the proposals.
He too proposes that the prohibition on the movement of calves would be reduced from five to four weeks. He will also push for amendments including a requirement for journey times for animals going for slaughter to not exceed eight hours (with an exception made for sea transport) and increased veterinary supervision on vessels carrying calves.
Green Party MEP Grace O’Sullivan said she will be supporting the recommendations brought forward to strengthen current animal welfare regulations
Kelleher said his amendments would allow the transport of animals “with stronger animal welfare standards” but would enable them to continue.
Green Party MEP Grace O’Sullivan said she will be supporting the recommendations brought forward to strengthen current animal welfare regulations.
O’Sullivan, who said she comes from a farming family and understands the challenges that many farmers face, said she can’t condone the practice of live calf exports.
She said she supports the “compromises reached at the ANIT committee” whose “conclusions are clear”.
“I firmly believe that Irish farmers do not want to see their animals mistreated and exposed to needless trauma and suffering,” O’Sullivan said.
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