Liz Lynne calls for action on the inhumane transportation of horses.

12.08.00pm GMT Thu 15th Jan 2009

Euro- MP Liz Lynne has today called on the European Commission to urgently ensure that legislation on the transportation of horses to slaughter is upheld.

Speaking during a debate on animal transport at the Parliament's plenary session in Strasbourg, the LibDem MEP said it is clear that the current regulation is being flouted.

Liz, who has been a long time campaigner on animal welfare issues, also asked the European Commission to provide information on how many people had been prosecuted under the current animal transport rules.

In November of last year Liz co-tabled a written declaration in the Parliament calling for better enforcement of the regulations, which are designed to ensure that horses and other animals are given proper rest stops, enough space and food and water during long distance transport.

Liz said:

"There is now overwhelming evidence showing that the EU rules meant to protect the welfare of horses during long distance transport are being flouted, resulting in inhumane conditions and needless suffering.

"Horses are being packed like sardines into steel lorries where temperatures can be above 40 degrees in some cases and are transported thousands of miles without food or water, causing injury or even death.

"I want to know, does the Commission have any information as to how many transgressions of the current rules have been taken to court by Member States since they came into effect in 2007 and what other ways the Commission can see to enforce the rules more effectively?"

ENDS

Notes:

The full text of the written declaration can be found at:

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?pubRef=-//EP//NONSGML+WDECL+P6-DCL-2008-0099+0+DOC+WORD+V0//EN&language=EN