Home Barry ANDREWS

ANIT is a committee of inquiry that was set up to examine the protection of animals during transport. During its investigations, it found that there have been systemic failures to enforce the existing rules on the protection of animals during transport. This report makes recommendations for the revision and better implementation of existing rules, with the overarching aim of boosting animal welfare.
I felt it was important to support amendments 1, 2, 3, 4 which account for the specificities of rural farming communities across the EU whose geographical constraints demand some flexibility with regard to journey times. Amendments 2 and 4 double the existing age limit below which unweaned animals cannot be transported, whereas amendments 3 and 4 ensure that gestating animals remain in their natural habitat for as long as possible. While I agree with the intention underlying amendments 10 and 11, geographical realities have to be taken into account, particularly those of the island of Ireland. Eliminating long-haul journeys for animals and reforming our consumption patterns should be our long-term objectives, but this must be achieved while preventing a sudden disruption to existing supply-chains which would have socio-economic costs.
The SDGs require us to tackle climate change and improve our relationship with the natural world, while ensuring that ‘no one is left behind’ in this process. I am confident that the resulting text is balanced and proportionate: it will bring about dramatic improvements in animal welfare while ensuring the livelihoods of farming and rural communities are not imperilled.