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A committee of inquiry into animal transport inside and outside the EU is expected to be given the green light this Friday, according to Irish MEP Mairéad McGuinness.
The special committee will be mandated to investigate breaches of EU law in relation to the protection of animals. McGuinness, first vice president of the European Parliament, said MEPs would most likely vote to ratify its establishment.
The EU has set high standards for animal transport
The trade in live animals is an important market for Irish farmers, McGuinness said.
“The EU has set high standards for animal transport and it is essential that these standards are adhered to. Every year, millions of animals are transported across the EU and to non-EU countries to be bred, reared or slaughtered, as well as for competitions and the pet trade,” she said.
Transport
Figures show the number of animals transported within the EU increased by 19% from 1.25bn to 1.49bn.
“In February last year the European Parliament adopted a report on animal welfare calling for better enforcement, sanctions and reduced journey times,” McGuinness said.
“To protect animals exported to non-EU countries, MEPs voted for the introduction of bilateral agreements or a ban on the transport of live animals when national standards are not aligned with EU law.”
McGuinness said she hoped to be a member of the committee and that she would stress the need for full compliance with EU regulations on animal transport.
“It is up to member states to implement the rules and the European Commission to tackle problems with compliance,” she added.
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