WRITTEN QUESTION No. 1788/97 by Caroline JACKSON to the Commission. Barbarous killing of sheep in France
10. 2. 98 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 45/81 The evaluation of drug-fighting development projects is undertaken according to the standard methodology 4. for development projects, that is through periodic visits by independent experts and civil servants. The Commission is not considering, at least for the time being, any extension of the special 5. drugs-generalized scheme of preferences to countries or regions other than those currently benefiting. (98/C 45/97) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1690/97 by Mark Watts (PSE) to the Commission (20 May 1997) Subject: Slaughter of sheep in France for Eid-el-Kabir festival Is the Commission aware that thousands of British sheep were slaughtered in France on 17 and 18 April in the name of the Muslim festival of Eid-el-Kabir? These animals were slaughtered in open fields, by untrained people. They were held down while their throats were cut and left to bleed slowly to death. This barbaric and despicable cruelty has outraged millions of civilized people. Agriculture Commissioner Franz Fischler has made it clear in two letters to me that ritual slaughter in the open air is illegal under EU law, and must only be performed in an abattoir. Will the Commission immediately take steps to prosecute the French authorities under Article 169? (98/C 45/98) WRITTEN QUESTION E-1788/97 by Caroline Jackson (PPE) to the Commission (27 May 1997) Subject: Barbarous killing of sheep in France Press reports have highlighted the fact that during the Moslem feast of Eid-el-Kebir sheep were killed in various forms of áritual slaughterí which did not involve the use of approved slaughter houses. Is the Commission able to comment on steps that might be taken under EU law to prevent this happening? Joint answer to Written Questions E-1690/97 and E-1788/97 given by Mr Fischler on behalf of the Commission (18 June 1997) The Commission has received information that on 17 and 18 April 1997 sheep were slaughtered in France in the open air in connection with the Muslim festival of Eid-el-Kabir and that amongst them there were sheep born in the United Kingdom. Directive 93/119/EEC (1) requires ritual slaughter to be performed in an abattoir and imposes certain requirements on the treatment of animals before and at the time of slaughter. The Commission has received complaints from animal welfare organisations about this matter and will give further consideration to the issues raised. If it appears that the French authorities did not comply with Directive 93/119/EEC, then the Commission will consider taking further action to ensure the respect of Community law including, if appropriate, opening infringement proceedings under Article 169 EC Treaty. (1) OJ L 340, 31. 12. 1993