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Parliamentary question - E-003673/2013Parliamentary question
E-003673/2013

Long-distance animal transport from the EU to Turkey

Question for written answer E-003673-13
to the Commission
Rule 117
Kriton Arsenis (S&D)

Hundreds of thousands of sheep and cattle (destined for slaughter and breeding) are transported over long distances from EU Member States (MS) to Turkey each year. Reports from NGOs, supported by empirical evidence, have demonstrated that these long-distance journeys cause immense suffering to the animals. Extremely long transport time — regularly prolonged by enormous delays sometimes lasting entire days at or near the border between the EU and Turkey — are often a result of incorrect/incomplete accompanying documents issued by the competent authorities in the MS of departure.

The NGO Animals’ Angels has repeatedly documented the fact that animals regularly suffer as a result of this long-distance transport from dehydration and malnutrition, severe respiratory disorders, heat stress and exhaustion. A significant number of animals that did not survive the long-distance transport have been documented. Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport has been in effect for five years now. However, in 2013 the relevant EC laws are still not being enforced by MS, and several incidents of irregular transport authorised in MS have been documented. The European Commission needs to step up its efforts to ensure the efficient enforcement of Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 and the effective protection of animals during transport.

This being the case, will the Commission answer the following questions:

OJ C 19 E, 22/01/2014