Brussels, 04/04/2003 (Agence Europe) - Spokespersons of the European Commission on Friday announced the Commission's intentions shortly to present two new animal welfare measures. Under the policy to reduce export refunds for livestock, measures will be announced next Wednesday to reinforce checks and introduce penalties against farmers if a certain number of animals transported fail to reach their destination. The tightening-up of inspections is aimed essentially at various third countries, particularly the Lebanon and Egypt (where live exportation is standard, for religious reasons relating to methods of slaughter). If the check is positive, export refunds can be withheld and the transport duly penalised.
Under an initiative by the Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, David Byrne, the Commission will also "shortly" be presenting a proposed amendment to the directive on animal transportation, the provisions of which will aim mainly at improving the lot of animals transported over long distances (10% of animal transportation). The recommended changes will focus mainly on: - transport times (uninterrupted journeys are targeted); - access to water; - stock density in vehicles; - ventilation systems; - loading and unloading modalities; - driver monitoring; - treatment for companies in breach.