Brussels wants shorter animal transports and rules for the dog and cat trade
The EU regulations that have been in force for around 20 years do not provide for a general time limit on the transportation of animals for slaughter, which animal rights activists regularly denounce. For certain animal species, a 24-hour rest period at a control post is only prescribed after 24 to 29 hours of transportation.
For animals that are not slaughtered, the maximum transport time is to be 21 hours in future, with a rest period of at least one hour after 10 hours. Animals must be able to rest outside the vehicle for 24 hours before continuing their journey, during which time they must be fed and watered. The reform also provides for a minimum space in the transporter depending on the animal species.
Brussels also wants to create Europe-wide minimum rules for the trade in cats and dogs. According to the report, six out of ten owners now buy their animals online. The EU Commission emphasized that this makes it more difficult to check the origin and health of animals. Microchips, which can be inserted painlessly into the animals, are intended to provide a remedy.
According to the report, there are more than 72 million dogs and more than 83 million cats in the EU. Özdemir called the initiative welcome. "I hope that this will lead to greater animal welfare in breeding and a reduction in the illegal trade in pets in the EU," he explained.
On the other hand, it is "regrettable that the Commission, contrary to its promise, has not presented any proposals for greater animal welfare in farming and slaughter", emphasized Özdemir. "Better European minimum standards would have provided an important framework here." The plans still require the approval of the member states and the European Parliament.
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The EU Commission aims to regulate animal transportation, including dogs, to reduce transportation times and improve animal welfare. For animals not intended for slaughter, the maximum transport time will be 21 hours with breaks. Brussels also wants to establish Europe-wide rules for the cat and dog trade, as six out of ten pet owners buy their animals online. The Commission suggests using microchips to track animal origin and health. According to the report, there are over 72 million dogs and over 83 million cats in the EU. Özdemir supports the initiative, hoping it will improve animal welfare and reduce pet trading. However, Özdemir regrets that the Commission has not proposed better animal welfare standards in farming and slaughter. The European Parliament and member states must still approve these plans.
Source: www.stern.de
