News

23rd May 2002

John Bowis demands more checks on the transport of animals

British Conservative Animal Welfare Spokesman John Bowis has called on the European Commission to take action to stop the abuses of animals exported on the hoof.

Addressing the Parliament’s Environment Committee today he said he wanted three areas in particular to be addressed:

The end of subsidies to exports of live animals, which are not applicable to exports of meat, thus providing a perverse incentive to the unnecessary transport of animals over long distances to non-EU countries.

Slovenia is one of the few countries in Europe that carries out effective checks on the welfare of animals being transported across their national borders. The Commission should ensure all Member States have proper checks in place.

There is film evidence that some countries to which European animals are exported permit brutal practices in the transport and slaughter of animals. Exports to such countries should be on condition the animals are treated humanely.