Written Declaration 0049/2011 refers to the fact that under current EU rules, although it is acknowledged that long journeys for slaughter should be limited, there is not a time limit of how long these journeys can be.
The declaration seeks to put in place an 8 hour time limit for such journeys.
I am a long term supporter of animal rights, and have tabled my own declarations on issues such as egg production. I am happy to support this issue and urge people to get in contact with their local MEP's to vote accordingly too.
In fact, I believe that we should go further and ban all unnecessary transportation. Animals should be slaughtered within a reasonable distance of their rearing and not transported across the continent to satisfy French consumers!
From the RSPCA Website:
Campaign against live transportation
When the animals' journey comes to an end, their suffering may be far from over, many of the calves and sheep transported from the port of Ramsgate to the Continent are likley to be reared in conditions that would be illegal in England and Wales.
What can I do to help?
Unfortunatley, a recent European Commission report (November 2011) has proposed no changes to the current rules around live transport. However, a 'Written Declaration' has been tabled in the EU which calls for the 'establishment of a maximum 8 hour journey limit'.Take action and e-mail your MEP asking them to sign Written Declaration 0049/2011 which calls for the establishment of a maximum 8 hour journey time.
Further information on Europarl
Further information on Europarl
