Final push to end cruelty to horses around Europe

10.45.02am GMT Wed 10th Feb 2010

Liz Lynne MEP with Joanne White of World Horse Welfare - campaigning to end the scandal of horse cruelty

Euro MP Liz Lynne has welcomed news that over 280 MEPs from across the EU have so far signed up to support her campaign to end the cruelty suffered by horses being transported long distances for slaughter.

The West Midlands LibDem MEP launched a written declaration in the European Parliament last year to highlight the scandalous suffering endured by many horses as they are moved in lorries and trailers.

The written declaration ends this week and a big push is underway to secure the 369 signatures required for the resolution to be adopted.

Speaking at the Parliament in Strasbourg, Liz said:

"I am delighted that over 280 Euro MPs have now signed my written declaration but we now need a final big push to secure 369 signatures, which would trigger a debate in Parliament on this issue.

"120,000 EU citizens have already signed a petition to demand action to end this appalling and unnecessary cruelty and I hope those MEPs who have not so far signed up will now do so.

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

Over 100,000 horses are transported long distance across the continent to slaughter every year in inhumane conditions, causing exhaustion, dehydration, injury and death.

The abuse has been uncovered by a number of charities including World Horse Welfare. Late last year Liz hosted a reception in the European Parliament at which the World Horse Welfare petition, signed by over 120,000 EU citizens, was handed over to the European Commission calling for action to correctly implement EU animal welfare rules in this area.

Among the abuses uncovered were examples of horses being denied rest stops, not being properly fed and watered, or being enclosed in spaces far too small for them meaning that they can fall and suffer injury or even death during the journey.

ENDS

Note: For more information on the world horse welfare campaign please see:

http://www.ilph.org/campaigns.asp