Answer given by Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission
20.1.2025
The Commission is concerned by the practices and handling of calves shown in the footage referred to by the Honourable Member. Animals must be handled in accordance with the regulation (EC) No 1/2005[1], which governs their protection during commercial transport.
The enforcement of EU rules on the protection of animals during transport is primarily a responsibility of the Member States. The Commission is in contact with the Irish authorities regarding this case.
They have confirmed that an ongoing investigation is examining potential animal welfare-related infringements that may have occurred at the assembly centre shown in the footage referred to by the Honourable Member and that they will take further follow-up action as necessary. As the investigation by the Irish authorities is ongoing, the Commission has no further information on specific authorisations.
In December 2023, the Commission adopted a legislative proposal for a new Regulation on the protection of animals during transport[2] which provides for stricter rules aimed at ensuring higher protection of calves during transport and other vulnerable categories of animals, and to facilitate better enforcement of these rules through clearer provisions.
The proposal reflects the latest scientific evidence and the progress made in the technologies dedicated to animal transport.
- [1] Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 of 22 December 2004 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations and amending Directives 64/432/EEC and 93/119/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1255/97; OJ L 3, 5.1.2005, p. 1-44.
- [2] Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of animals during transport and related operations, amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1255/97 and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005; COM/2023/770 final.