The list is growing: Germany, Netherlands and Luxembourg take strong position on live export

The EU is currently discussing how to improve animal welfare during live export, with Eurogroup for Animals highlighting that German, Dutch and Luxembourg Ministers have presented a paper stating that they want to see live exports to third countries ended.

They state: “Member States of the European Union export millions of sheep and cattle each year to Turkey, the Middle East, North Africa, Russia and Asian countries by road and sea. Despite many efforts to improve compliance with the provisions of Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005, and despite the fact that best practices exist, we conclude that the welfare of animals cannot be sufficiently guaranteed during these type of long journeys.”

They go on to say: “We have all witnessed the terrible situation earlier this year, when two livestock-carrying sea vessels were stuck on the Mediterranean Sea for months, which eventually ended in the killing of all the animals in the port of Cartagena, Spain.

“Finally, the conditions to which the animals are exposed after arrival at their destination, e.g. during onward transport, at livestock markets and at slaughter, must also be taken into account…

“We strongly advocate a shift from transporting live animals, to a trade in meat and carcasses, as well as genetic material.”

VALE joins Eurogroup for Animals in welcoming this position.

https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-10086-2021-ADD-1/en/pdf