Scotland livestock production face threat from EU transport proposals

Scotland traditional livestock production is once again under threat from impractical and costly transport proposals being driven by EU.

National Farmers Union (NFU) Scotland has received a leaked copy of animal transport proposals passing through departments within the European Commission and due to be released in the coming days.

The proposals include cuts to allowed journey lengths, specific restrictions on the transport of animals to abattoirs, lower stocking densities for livestock on vehicles and greater restrictions on the onward movement of animals passing through markets.

This is the second time in as many years that European Health Commissioner Androulla Vassiliou has attempted to drive through transport changes and follows on from a consultation launched in July 2008.

This latest development is equally alarming and unwelcomed given that the current transport rules, agreed in 2005, only came into force in 2007.

NFU Scotland has set up a meeting with industry stakeholders on Friday (Sep 11) to discuss the proposals and how to combat them.