4 December 2007
We received a petition asking:
"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to ensure EU laws on the live transport of horses and other equines are adhered to, to stop the needless cruelty and suffering these animals face on the journey to be slaughtered."
Details of Petition:
"Around 100,000 horses transported into and across Europe for slaughter each year. Horses are able to be transported vast distances in horrendous conditions with few, if any, checks en route as a result of the removal of many Border Inspection Posts. The meat from these horses, ponies, donkeys and mules will end up in YOUR dinner plate - Italian Salami contains donkey meat, and other processed meats from the continent will contain equine meat as well. If they are eaten, then at least give them the dignity of an end that is pain free and comfortable. - These journeys are inhumane and unnecessary, causing horses to suffer from dehydration, exhaustion and in many cases to die - Journey times are excessively long, with horses being permitted to travel for 24 hours before they are rested off the lorry - When the laws are properly enforced it is more cost effective to slaughter close to source and transport carcases in refrigerated lorries. However, this trade continues, suggesting that enforcement is completely inadequate."
Read the Government’s response
Thank you for your petition about the live transport of horses.
The EU Welfare in Transport Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 came into force on 5 January. Its purpose is to create high standards of welfare for animals whilst they are being transported and it applies across the European Union. This Regulation has been transposed into law in this country by The Welfare of Animals (Transport) (England) Order 2006. Parallel legislation applies in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Regulation encompasses all vertebrate animals being transported in connection with an economic activity.
The Regulation sets out specific requirements for horses. These state that horses must be transported in single partitions on journeys longer than 8 hours, or when transported in a vehicle on a roll-on roll-off ferry (other than a mare and foal). There is also a requirement that unbroken ponies must not be transported in groups of more than four, nor for longer than 8 hours by road. The Regulation also provides a minimum space above the withers that must be given. Foals under 4 months must be provided appropriate bedding (unless with their mother) and may not be transported for longer than 8 hours by road. Although older horses may travel up to 24 hours before being rested off the vehicle for at least 24 hours prior to continuing their journey, they must be given water at least every eight hours and, if necessary fed.
Since 5 January 2007 all vehicles transporting livestock or horses for long journeys (in excess of 8 hours) must be inspected and approved by the competent authority or by a body designated by the Member State. Defra has designated a number of bodies to fulfil this role and to provide certification in accordance with the scheme. The details of these organisations can be found on the website.
Another provision of the EU Regulation, which comes into force on 5 January 2008, is the requirement for transporters or attendants using road vehicles to transport farm animals, poultry or horses in connection with an economic activity to have received appropriate training, and given an independent assessment of their competence and be granted a certificate of competence issued by that independent body. These bodies are nominated by the competent authority, which in this instance is Defra. The contact details of the organisations Defra have designated to carry out this work can again be found at the above website address, along with details of the many other welfare in transport requirements in Regulation 1/2005.
Member States are required to enforce the rules within their territories and we enforce the rules rigorously. Anyone finding any infringements should report them immediately to the appropriate enforcement authority, which will be to the Animal health and Welfare Department of the Local Authority, so that the matter can be promptly investigated. Infringements observed in other Member States should be reported to the appropriate authorities there. Concerns over widespread problems in any area should be reported to the European Commission whose responsibility it is to ensure Member States enforce the rules.