Summary
Long distance transportation of animals creates
much public concern in the European Union (EU) and elsewhere, partly
because of its visibility to the general public. The protection
of animals during transport is thus a key element of EU policy for
farm animal welfare. At the same time, animal transport has been
vital to the structure of the food chain in Europe since the beginning
of the Common Agricultural Policy. The authors describe the formulation
of EU policy on long distance transportation. Initiatives are based
on scientific risk assessment and considerations of international
guidelines. The two main objectives of EU policy are to reduce long
distance transportation as far as possible and to upgrade standards
for transported animals. The extent of detail in regulations depends
on the ability of the sector concerned to address issues and on
continual upgrading of the awareness and knowledge of transport
operators on animal welfare which is universally important for progress.
The economic impact of legislative measures must be evaluated as
part of the policy process, noting that proper animal welfare standards
can generate direct and indirect economic advantages. Awareness
of these welfare advantages in all sectors is essential for raising
the quality of enforcement. Finally, policy goals should be monitored
to verify the extent of their fulfilment. Efforts from competent
authorities and transport companies in Europe are improving the
situation. However, a strong legislative framework is likely to
remain the best option for the coming years to ensure that the welfare
of transported animals is more than just a minimum.
Keywords
Animal
protection, Animals, Community, European Union, Policy, Transport,
Welfare.
|