According to a report by the EU Food and Veterinary Office (FVO), published on Tuesday 30 April, Spain should make efforts to ensure that animal welfare is respected when transporting livestock to non-Member States by sea.
This audit took place in Spain from 26 September to 1 October 2018, and the experts conclude that the Spanish competent authorities have recently updated the procedures to ensure compliance with animal welfare rules. “In general, animals are spared unnecessary suffering during the journey”, the report states.
However, the FVO notes that the absence of adequate facilities in the ports in which to unload and rest the animals “might lead to welfare problems, particularly if a delay occurs with the loading of the animals into the ship”. While pre-loading controls exist to prevent animal welfare problems during the journey, experts point out a lack of documentary evidence to demonstrate that these controls cover all relevant requirements at every pre-loading inspection of the vessel. “This opens the possibility for animals to be transported in unsuitable vessels”, for animal welfare compliance, concludes the FVO. (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)