Answer given by Ms Vassiliou on behalf of the Commission
10.11.2009
Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005[1] on the protection of animals during transport has introduced a number of measures improving the transport conditions for all animals. In addition Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 contains specific measures to protect horses. In particular, for long journeys it requires horses to be transported in individual stalls.
The Commission is conscious that the present rules are not sufficiently enforced in particular in the case of horses.
Member States are primarily responsible for the daily implementation of the Community legislation on animal transport. The Commission however supervises the work of the competent authorities of the Member States through regular visits of experts from the Commission inspection service of Directorate General for Health and Consumer Protection (Food and Veterinary Office). The results of their inspections may be consulted on the Internet website of the Commission at the following address:
http://ec.europa.eu/food/fvo/index_en.cfm
When there is evidence, based on consistent, sufficient and reliable data, that a Member State does not implement Community rules, the Commission may consider opening infringement proceedings according to Article 226 of the Treaty.
In addition, Article 32 of the regulation provides that before January 2011, the Commission shall present a report to Parliament and the Council on the impact of the regulation on the welfare of animals and trade flows of live animals. In particular the report will have to take into account scientific evidence on the welfare needs of the transported animals and the report on the implementation of the navigation system, as well as the socioeconomic implications of this regulation, including regional aspects, and could be accompanied if necessary by appropriate legislative proposals.
- [1] Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 of 22 December 2004 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations and amending Directive 64/432/EEC and 93/119/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1255/97, OJ L 3, 5.1.2005.