EU lobbying

Compassion in World Farming works hard to influence decision-makers in the EU. Many MEPs are in favour of improving conditions for animals in transport and have voted to impose an overall limit on journey times. However the final decisions on farm animals rest with the Council of Ministers.

Complaints

Compassion in World Farming makes formal complaints to Member States regarding their failure to comply with Community legislation on the protection of animals during transport.

Lobbying for review

The recent transport review of animal transport regulations by the EU Commission, was very disappointing as it did not propose any new legislation, despite recognising that current transport rules are “not in line with current scientific opinion”, and despite the current regulation recognising that “Long journeys are likely to have more detrimental effects on the welfare of animals than short ones.” Instead, they propose better enforcement by Member States: something that, to date, has only had limited impact.

Despite this, Compassion in World Farming will continue to lobby for stronger EU Transport Regulations. The crucial areas of journey length, rest times and stocking densities must be addressed as soon as possible. We would like to see a higher age limit at which animals can be transported over long distances and for no animal to be transported for longer than 8 hours to slaughter or for further fattening.

The European Coalition for Farm Animals

Compassion in World Farming leads the European Network for Farm Animal Protection (ENFAP) which campaigns Europe-wide to improve the welfare of animals transported live across the continent.