Document type: press release issued by the OABA
Author: OABA
Preview: Seven animal welfare organizations have today published an open letter to the French Minister of Agriculture on the transport of live animals. In it, QUATRE PATTES France, the OABA, CIWF France, WELFARM, the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, the 30 Millions d’Amis Foundation, and the Fondation Droit Animal, Ethique et Sciences ask Annie Genevard for clarification on the positions being advocated by France as part of the ongoing revision of the European regulations on the protection of animals during transport. The Minister is in fact opposing any substantial strengthening of animal protection measures in the regulation. On the most critical points of the proposed text, France’s position would currently appear to come down to a defence of the regulatory status quo, following pressure from the sector's interprofessional groups, with no attempt even to protect its long-term economic interests.
France Opposes Several Animal Welfare Measures
For example, according to information obtained by NGOs, France is reportedly opposed at this stage to reducing transport times and to enhanced protection for vulnerable animals (such as unweaned calves, pregnant females in late gestation, and culled animals). A ban on live animal exports to third countries would also be a red line for France, even though this measure has already been adopted by the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Australia. These journeys—particularly those to the Mediterranean region—are, however, particularly grueling and can last several days or weeks under conditions that are disastrous for animal welfare.
The Ministry Dismisses Two Years of Dialogue
For more than two years, NGOs have engaged in dialogue with ministry officials—to no avail—despite their proposals being supported by the opinions of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Today, France—a major exporter and transit country for these shipments—is poised to lock in regulations for years to come that are out of step with current scientific knowledge and public expectations regarding animal welfare, even though pragmatic, sustainable solutions for French companies are available.
Minister Called Upon to Clarify Her Position
NGOs are calling on the minister to clarify France’s position and to increase its concrete commitments to animal welfare as negotiations at the Council enter their final phase.
Annie Genevard has met with industry representatives on numerous occasions; it is now time for her to engage in dialogue with NGOs as well, in her capacity as the minister responsible for animal welfare.
Letter to Annie Genevard (.pdf)
Full press release from the 7 NGOs (.pdf)
