Brussels, 16/07/2003 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission on Wednesday adopted a proposed regulation on animal transport, as we announced (see EUROPE of 15 June, p.16). This text recommends that the rules governing animals transport in Europe be completely overhauled. To improve enforcement, the regulation identifies the chain of all those involved in animal transport, and who is responsible for what, and imposes efficient enforcement tools, such as checks via the tachograph. It also introduces much tighter rules for journeys of more than 9 hours, including domestic transport, which mirror other Community provisions on drivers' road time. The proposal recognises that most of the stress on the animals occurs around loading and unloading, and therefore introduces rules to deal with situations before and after transport, for example in slaughterhouses and ports. It encourages Member States to develop guidelines of good practice. Long-distance transport currently represents only 10% (17.5 million) of all animal transport in Europe. The entry into force is planned for last 2005. Welcoming the adoption of the text, Commissioner David Byrne said: "I am optimistic that this radical overhaul of the animal transport rules in Europe can come into force soon. I believe it provides the best tools to introduce real improvements in animal welfare over the short to medium term. My main aims are to minimise the stress that animals go through and to ensure that they arrive at their destination as fast as possible. Importantly, the regulation will also define who is responsible for what and when, which will help enormously in ensuring that the rules are properly enforced".