In an effort to minimize the stress that animals experience during transportation, the European Commission (EC) on 16 July 2003, adopted a proposed Regulation that will radically overhaul the animal transport rules in Europe1. “To improve enforcement, the Regulation identifies the chain of all those involved in animal transport and who is responsible for what, as well as introducing efficient enforcement tools, such as checks via the tachograph. It also introduces much stricter rules for journeys of more than 9 hours, including domestic transport which mirror other EU legislation governing the time that drivers can spend on the road. The proposed Regulation recognizes that most of the stress on the animals occurs around loading and unloading and therefore introduces rules to deal with situations before and after transport, for example at slaughterhouses or at harbours. It encourages Member States to develop guides of good practice.”

David Byrne, Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, said in a press release, “I am optimistic that this radical overhaul of the animal transport rules in Europe can come into force soon. I believe it provides the best tools to introduce real improvements in animal welfare over the short to medium term. Importantly, the Regulation will also define who is responsible for what and when, which will help enormously in ensuring that the rules are properly enforced1.”

The new Regulation reduces the maximum travel times for all species and forbids the transportation of particularly young or pregnant animals. Likewise, it calls for improved traveling conditions, including species-appropriate temperatures, permanent access to drinking water, and increased minimums for space according to species and length of journey1.

The proposed Regulation increases the list of people responsible for animal transportation conditions and increases personal responsibility in case of infringement.

The Regulation will have to be approved by the Council of Ministers after consultation of the European Parliament. It is expected to be in effect by the end of 2005.