WRITTEN QUESTION E-0341/00 by Bill Miller (PSE) to the Commission. Transportation of live animals.
21. 11. 2000 EN Official Journal of the European Communities C 330 E/133 (2000/C 330 E/148) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0341/00 by Bill Miller (PSE) to the Commission (14 February 2000) Subject: Transportation of live animals I understand that Commission reports reveal that France, Italy, Greece, Belgium and Ireland have breached the provisions of Council Directive 91/628 (1) on the protection of animals during transport. What action does the Commission intend to take to rectify these breaches? (1) OJ L 340, 11. 12. 1991, p. 17. (2000/C 330 E/149) WRITTEN QUESTION E-0425/00 by Glyn Ford (PSE) to the Commission (23 February 2000) Subject: Protection of animals during transport In 1999 the European Commission issued five reports on veterinary missions undertaken in various Member States. The Commissionís reports illustrate that in France, Italy, Greece, Belgium and Ireland, the provisions of Council Directive 91/628 (1) (as amended by Council Directive 95/29 (2)) on the protection of animals during transport are widely ignored. What action does the Commission intend to take to require the Member States identified in these reports to enforce the Directiveís provisions? (1) OJ L 340, 11. 12. 1991, p. 17. (2) OJ L 148, 30. 6. 1995, p. 52. Joint answer to Written Questions E-0340/00, E-0341/00 and E-0425/00 given by Mr Byrne on behalf of the Commission (21 March 2000) The Commission is aware, following the reports of its food and veterinary office and from the complaints of various organisations, that enforcement of Council Directive 91/628/EC as amended by Council Directive 95/29/EC concerning the protection of animals during transport is inadequate in many Member States. These problems are being kept under close review by the Commission and are drawn to the attention of the Member Statesí authorities as and when they occur. In particular, infringement proceedings in this field have been opened against one Member State and others are under preparation. In addition, Article 13 of the Directive provides for the Commission to submit a report to the Council on the experience acquired by the Member States since the implementation of the Directive, possibly accompanied by proposals. The report will be presented to the Council shortly taking into account all available information. Meanwhile, a working group of the standing veterinary committee has been established to consider problems in the implementation of the Directive in respect of long-distance transport. The Commission may consider amending Community legislation on the basis of the conclusions of the working group on transport and in the light of the experience acquired by Member States