Brussels, 05/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - The European Parliament called on Wednesday 4 July for better compliance with animal welfare rules, increased protection for dairy cattle and creation of a “slaughter without stunning” label.
In adopting the report by Marit Paulsen (ALDE, Sweden) on the strategy for the protection and welfare of animals 2012-2015, the EP wants member states to employ more and properly trained animal welfare inspectors and the EU Food and Veterinary Office to have more resources. To avoid long delays in putting the new rules into effect, as happened with the laying hens directive, the resolution calls for an “early intervention” system to enable the European Commission to check at intervals whether member states can meet the deadline. In response to complaints by EU citizens, MEPs ask the Commission to consider creating a “slaughter without stunning” label for meat to help consumers to make more informed choices. In a separate resolution (from the petitions committee), the EP calls on the Commission to put in place an EU legal framework for the protection of pets and stray animals, including: - rules for the identification and registration of animals, - stray animal management strategies, including vaccination and sterilisation programmes, - measures to promote responsible ownership, - the prohibition of unlicensed kennels and shelters, - the prohibition of the killing of stray animals without medical indication, - information and educational programmes in schools on animal welfare, - and severe sanctions to be imposed on any member state which fails to comply with the rules. (LC/transl.rt)