Document type: Answer to question P-002012/2023 from the European Commission
Authors: question: Anja Hazekamp (The Left). Answer: Ms Kyriakides on behalf of the European Commission
Question: Additional measures during animal transportation this summer
Every year during the summer, animals are transported at higher temperatures than the recommended maximum of 30 degrees, as stipulated in Regulation (EC) No 1/2005, Annex I, Chapter VI, point 3.1. The welfare of cows and pigs is already seriously affected at temperatures above 25 degrees,heat stress can occur in sheep at 28 degrees already, heat stress can only be prevented in rabbits up to a temperature-humidity index of 27.8, and chickens can suffer from heat stress even at lower temperatures when combined with higher humidity.
- In line with EFSA's recommendations, how will the Commission ensure that animals are not transported at high temperatures this summer?
- What additional (temperature) controls does the Commission intend to carry out itself or have Member States carry out this summer with regard to the transportation of animals, and does it intend to suspend animal transportation temporarily if these checks are deemed insufficient?
- How will the Commission ensure that Member States do not allow animal transportation to take place in breach of Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 this summer, especially at high temperatures during transportation at sea or following arrival outside the EU?
Answer: The scientific opinions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) referred to by the Honourable Member were published in support of the ongoing revision of the EU animal welfare legislation and they will be taken into account during the said process.
While the existing legislation does not fully reflect these opinions, they are valuable to the competent authorities of the Member States to analyse the risks for the welfare of the animals and to prevent poor health and welfare consequences and properly implement the current legislation.
Member States are responsible for the implementation and enforcement of EU legislation.
Nevertheless, in its role as guardian of the Treaties, the Commission monitors the implementation of EU law and ensures its uniform application throughout the EU. The Commission services will continue to work with the network of national contact points for animal transport and to monitor the situation during the summer.
The Commission also encourages the Member States to take precautionary measures, suspend, or substantially reduce the transport of animals over long journeys during summertime.
To this end, as every summer, the Commission recently sent a letter to Chief Veterinary Officers (CVOs) of all the Member States and some third countries about the perils of animal transportation during periods of high temperatures.
CVOs are encouraged to advise the transporters under their jurisdiction to limit the transport of live animals or to look for alternatives such as transporting during night-time.
