L 23210 Official Journal of the European Union 30.8.2008 II (Acts adopted under the EC Treaty/Euratom Treaty whose publication is not obligatory) DECISIONS COMMISSION COMMISSION DECISION of 18 August 2008 concerning the financial contribution by the Community, for the year 2008, towards a study covering the area of animal transport (2008/694[EC) THE COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES, Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, Having regard to Council Decision 90/424/EEC of 26 June 1990 on expenditure in the veterinary field (), and in particular Article 17 thereof, Whereas: (1) Decision 90[424[/EEC lays down the procedures governing the Community’s financial contribution G) () O] L 224, 18.8.1990, Decision 2006/965/EC (O] L 397, 30.12.2006, p. 22). towards specific veterinary measures. In particular, the Community may avail itself of studies necessary for the development of Community veterinary legislation in the field of animal welfare. Studies, impact assessments and evaluations covering the areas of animal health, animal welfare and food safety p. 19. Decision as last amended by Council will also support the actions identified in the Community Action Plan on the Protection and Welfare of Animals 2006-2010 (). This Action Plan identified several areas of action in particular the upgrading of existing minimum standards for animal protection and welfare and introducing stan- dardised animal welfare indicators. Concerning animal transport, advice from scientific experts indicates that new appropriate rules on travelling times and loading densities are needed. In order to perform an Impact Assessment, and in particular in order to evaluate the animal welfare and health, public health, economic, social, environmental or administrative impacts that an amendment of Regu- lation (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 (}) as regards travelling times and space allowances is likely to provoke, a study is needed. It is therefore appropriate for the Community to fund for the year 2008 a study which is to evaluate the different policy options linked to identified scenarios as regards travelling times and space allowances for the transported animals and to assess their respective animal welfare and health, public health, economic, social, environmental and administrative impacts. The maximum amount to be allocated to this action should be specified. () Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on a Community Action Plan on the Protection and Welfare of Animals 2006-2010, COM(2006) 13 final. () O] L 3, 5.1.2005, p. 1.