MEP calls for action on inhumane horse transportation (Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats)

Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats <info@aberdeensouthlibdems.org.uk>

MEP calls for action on inhumane horse transportation

December 12, 2008 10:22 AM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Scottish Liberal Democrat MEP Elspeth Attwooll has joined the campaign against inhumane horse transportation in the EU.

She signed a written declaration calling on member governments and the European Commission to do more to enforce welfare rules on the long-distance transportation of horses across the EU for slaughter. Evidence indicates these rules are being broken.Elspeth Attwooll MEP

Elspeth said: "I have many times made clear my support for better conditions for all animals in transportation, and particularly those for slaughter. In the cases of horses, there is evidence that they are subject to needless and unacceptable suffering. In some cases they are being kept in extreme, cramped conditions for days on end without food or water.

EU Rules to ensure the humane treatment are already in place, yet clearly being flouted. Why are they not being observed, and why are those not observing them getting away with it?

It's up to the member governments to make sure that these rules are being properly enforced, and I urge them and the European Commission to review the situation as a matter of urgency."

Notes:

• Up to 100,000 horses are transported long-distance into and across the EU every year. EU rule around minimum welfare standards for the treatment of these horses during these journeys are in place, but reports by leading animal welfare organisations, including the World Horse Welfare charity, have found evidence that they are being breached.

• Among the abuses uncovered were: horses being denied rest stops, not being properly fed and watered, or being kept in cramped spaces that cause them to suffer injuries that often result in death during the journey.

• It is a petition of MEPs and if more than half sign the issue will come up for debate before the full parliament.

• For more on the World Horse Welfare Campaign see www.ilph.org/campaigns.asp