EU tekent Raad van Europa-Conventie over dierentransporten (en)

David Byrne, Commissioner for Health and Consumer Protection, welcomed the update of the Convention. "The welfare of animals during transport is a very important issue for many Europeans and I welcome every step towards improved conditions" he said. "I was disappointed that Member States could not reach agreement on the Commission's recent proposal to strengthen the EU animal transport rules, but I remain hopeful that a solution will be found in the near future."

What changes does the revised Convention make?

The original Convention lays down the general conditions for transporting animals. The revised Convention lays down essential welfare rules that will apply to all species and detailed rules for the most widely traded animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses. A large proportion of transported animals are destined for slaughter in the country of destination. The Convention encourages animals to be slaughtered in the country of origin.

Some of the Convention's improvements in animal welfare are also reflected in the Commission's proposal on animal transport^[1]. Both aim to identify the chain of who is involved in animal transport and define who is responsible for what. Both also introduce much stricter rules for long journeys.

Why has the European Union signed the Convention?

The EU attaches great importance to a high standard of protection for transported animals, both in the EU and internationally. This is why the EU, in addition to the individual Member States, will become part of the European Convention on animal transport. Member States must sign and ratify the Convention in parallel with the EU. The EU's aim in signing the Convention is to accelerate this process in the Member States. The following Member States have already signed the revised Convention:

Belgium, Finland, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Sweden and the UK. Other countries that have signed the Convention are Croatia, Moldova, Romania, Turkey and Norway.

When does the Convention enter into force?

The Convention needs to be ratified by at least four countries before it can enter into force (the EU counts as one country for this purpose). The exact date of entry into force will be six months after the date that the fourth country officially notifies its ratification to the Council of Europe. The Commission hopes that this will take place within one year.

^[1] Proposal for a Council Regulation on the protection of animals during transport - COM(2003)425 final