WRITTEN QUESTION No. 2864/97 by David HALLAM to the Commission. Live transportation of poultry
16. 4. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 117/85 Concerning the active substance lindane, which is one of the 90 substances covered under the first phase, the Commission can confirm that it is waiting for the report of the rapporteur Member State, Austria, which should be available in the middle of 1998. When the Commission receives this report an intensive scientific and technical examination with all the Member States will take place. The Commission will only be able to take a final position on this active substance when the examination has been completed. (1) OJ L 230, 19. 8. 1991. (98/C 117/105) WRITTEN QUESTION E-2864/97 by David Hallam (PSE) to the Commission (11 September 1997) Subject: Live transportation of poultry Has the Commission considered that Article 39 3 A of the European Convention for the Protection of Animals during Transport (19 December 1968) is unreasonable in setting a 12 hour limit for the transportation of live animals, given that chickens, ducks, geese and turkeys do not eat or drink while roosting? Will the Commission consider that, given that in the Scottish Highlands and Islands birds will roost for up to 18 hours of winter darkness without food and water, and that birds sitting on eggs may go for much longer periods without sustenance, birds transported in a darkened space for over 12 hours will not be harmed? Will the Commission consider changing present legislative provision in this area, which uses the 12 hour limit set by the abovementioned European Convention? What steps has the Commission taken or does it plan to take, in order to consult recognized NGOs when deciding policy in this area? Answer given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (8 October 1997) Article 39(3)(a) of the European Convention for the protection of animals during international transport does not limit the transport of poultry to 12 hours. It requires suitable food and, if necessary, water to be available during transport in adequate quantities, except in the case of a journey lasting less than 12 hours. The Commission has no grounds for considering this to be unreasonable, and has no plans to amend the provisions of Council Directive 91/628/EEC on the protection of animals during transport and amending Directive 90/425/EEC and 91/496/EEC (1) based on the Convention. The Commission has no information to indicate that poultry metabolism during transport is the same as that during roosting or brooding. It should be noted that, in accordance with Article 16 of Directive 91/628/EEC, as amended by Directive 95/29/EC, Member States may derogate from the provisions of the Directive to take account of the remoteness of certain parts of their territories. The Commission regularly consults non governmental organisations on policy in the area of animal welfare, in particular the European umbrella organisation for animal welfare groups, Eurogroup for Animal Welfare. (1) OJ L 340, 11. 12. 1991, as amended by Council Directive 95/29/EC, (OJ L 148, 30. 6. 1995)