EU warning on live export checks
EU FARM ministers are being urged to tighten up their checks on live animal exports and comply fully with legislation designed to maintain proper welfare standards.
President of the agriculture council, Fernand Boden, has written to his 24 fellow ministers, reminding them of their responsibilities with regard to granting export subsidies on cattle being shipped to Third countries.
These include the need for an official veterinary check at the point of exit from the EU, another check where there is a change in the means of transport, and a final check at the place of unloading in the country of destination.
New EU laws introduced in 2003 also require the removal of export subsidy on an individual animal if it gives birth during transit, and the withdrawal of subsidy on the entire consignment if over 5% of the cattle die.
“I am sure you would agree that it would be unacceptable if animals exported live to Third countries were not treated according to these requirements,” said Mr Boden.
“I urge you to ensure that the appropriate controls are carried out.”
His warning followed the launch of a new campaign by animal rights group Compassion in World Farming, aimed at ending the use of taxpayers‘ money to subsidise live exports, (News, April 8).
An accompanying film showed 1200 Irish cattle being sent on a 12-day voyage to Lebanon, seemingly with no veterinary inspection at the port of arrival, after which they were taken to a state-run abattoir where they had their throats slit.
Mr Boden, in his letter, urged EU ministers to supply further information in relation to CIWF‘s allegations.
“I have also asked my services to examine rapidly the possibility of further reinforcement of the requirements provided for by the Commission regulation.”