Document type: Answer from the European Commission to question E-002402/24
Authors: question: Anja Hazekamp (The Left). Answer: Mr Várhelyi on behalf of the European Commission
Preview: New evidence of breaches of EU law during transport of Irish calves
Animal welfare organisations have once again identified serious and persistent breaches of EU law during the export of unweaned calves from Ireland, via France, to the Netherlands and Poland. Such breaches include falsified logbooks, unsuitable water systems in trucks and transports during which milk is systematically not given to the animals for more than 30 hours, even 48 hours in some cases.[1]. In addition, piles of decomposing calf carcasses were found at the Hallissey collection center in Ireland, where severe mistreatment of calves took place, and weakened animals were force-fed or injected so that they could be exported and further fattened in Poland and Romania. The calves end up in Israel and Libya, where they are slaughtered without anaesthesia after having endured a horrific journey.[2].
1- What is the Commission's view of the fact that the Irish authorities continue to authorise these transports and that Dutch veal companies, such as the VanDrie Group, continue to carry them out, fully aware that they are systematically breaching EU law and are responsible for starving the calves?
2- What specific action does the Commission intend to take in the short term to decisively address these ongoing breaches, such as entering without delay into discussions with the relevant Irish authorities and insisting on the closure of the Hallissey collection center?
[1] https://www.eyesonanimals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/2024-March-21-29-Investigation-into-the-welfare-of-Irish-calves-exported-to-factory-farms-in-The-Netherlands-and-Poland.pdf
[2] https://www.rte.ie/player/series/prime-time/SI0000000825?epguid=IH10002396-24-0071
Answer: The Commission is concerned by the practices and handling of calves shown in the footage referred to by the Honourable Member. Animals must be handled in accordance with the regulation (EC) No 1/2005[1]which governs their protection during commercial transport. The enforcement of EU rules on the protection of animals during transport is primarily a responsibility of the Member States. The Commission is in contact with the Irish authorities regarding this case. They have confirmed that an ongoing investigation is examining potential animal welfare-related infringements that may have occurred at the assembly center shown in the footage referred to by the Honourable Member and that they will take further follow-up action as necessary. As the investigation by the Irish authorities is ongoing, the Commission has no further information on specific authorisations. In December 2023, the Commission adopted a legislative proposal for a new Regulation on the protection of animals during transport[2] which provides for stricter rules aimed at ensuring higher protection of calves during transport and other vulnerable categories of animals, and to facilitate better enforcement of these rules through clearer provisions.
The proposal reflects the latest scientific evidence and the progress made in the technologies dedicated to animal transport.
[1] Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 of 22 December 2004 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations and amending Directives 64/432/EEC and 93/119/EC and Regulation (EC) No 1255/97; OJ L 3, 5.1.2005, p. 1-44.
[2] Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the protection of animals during transport and related operations, amending Council Regulation (EC) No 1255/97 and repealing Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005; COM/2023/770 final.
