Answer given by Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission

20.10.2023

The distinction mentioned in the question of the Honourable Member is often brought forward in the discussion on transport of animals. Such differentiation appears as a consequence of approaches to risk management of two divergent situations.

In the case of transport of animals for breeding, in the vast majority of cases, there is no obvious alternative to transporting animals from the place of origin to the place of destination.

The transport of breeding animals is crucial for the proper functioning of the agrifood sector and chain. As a consequence, stricter measures are being considered to reduce animal welfare risks on potentially long journeys, such as adequate watering, feeding, resting periods, transporting in approved vehicles which should fulfil additional requirements for long journeys, etc.

In the case of transport of animals intended for slaughter, it is possible to slaughter animals closer to their place of origin, requiring shorter journeys of transports of live animals.

The transport of carcasses would limit the potential animal welfare risks during transport, be more sustainable, and reduce economic losses caused by injuries.