January 9, 2007

New EU animal transport rules raises concerns

An EU discussion on minimum and maximum temperatures when transporting live animals has unsettled some in the transport sector who fear that the new rules would also ban transport during certain times of the year.

The Commission is said to be aiming to set a maximum and minimum outside temperatures for every animal and age.

Companies in the transport industry have expressed concerns that some transport might not be allowed during parts of the year under the new regulations.

The European Livestock and Meat Trading Union said it fails to understand why rules for transports need to be stricter than on-farm rules.

The EU revised its rules for animal transports this year, setting tougher regulations for vehicles transporting animals for a period longer than eight hours.

The new rules require climatising equipment, drinking equipment, and installation of a GPS system on board the animal transports. The vehicles would also have to be certified. Transport of animals in the latest part of gestation and newly-born animals have also been banned.