Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2004-03-30-Speech-2-035"
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"en.20040330.3.2-035"2
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".
Mr President, may I first express my thanks for all the hard work that has been done by members of the committees in respect of the Commission's proposal for a regulation on the protection of animals during transport. Let me acknowledge, in particular, the efforts made by Mr Maat on this important initiative.
Animal welfare is an emotive subject. This is reflected by the wide participation in the debate and in part by the large number of amendments tabled. The Commission proposal aims to achieve significant improvement in the welfare of transported animals. It focuses in particular on long journeys, as it is these journeys that are most likely to cause problems. It seeks to introduce clearer and upgraded standards, as well as stronger enforcement rules. This proposal has been the result of extensive analysis, scientific advice and stakeholder consultation. I am sure it does not fulfil the wishes of the ardent proponents of both sides of the animal welfare debate, but I am quite sure that if introduced now it would implement major improvements in the transport conditions of animals that have been the dream of animal welfare enthusiasts for years.
I make really sure that any amendment which either seeks unduly to liberalise transport conditions or restrict them is doomed to failure. I have indicated that I am willing to participate in constructive dialogue with a view to reaching a speedy agreement and an early improvement of transport conditions.
One of the major political aspects of the dossier concerns travelling times. The Commission proposes to replace the current rules by a simple scheme for all species involving a nine-hour maximum travelling time, to be followed by a minimum of twelve hours' rest if the journey is to be continued. It is no accident that these times coincide with the travel and rest rules applicable to drivers. Hence, enforcement should be much more straightforward – a crucially important aspect of this legislation as far as I am concerned.
I am prepared to consider variations on the theme proposed by the Commission in order to reach a durable compromise. However, let me be very frank: I cannot accept amendments which have as their practical effect a ban on the transport of live animals whether for slaughter, further rearing or breeding purposes. I believe such a move would be illegal and
of the Treaty. It would be liable to be struck down by the Court. In all events, there is no chance of such an initiative being supported in the Council. That is why I have been suggesting the adoption of an intelligent and sophisticated approach to the improvement of animal welfare. Putting it bluntly, tilting at windmills will be poor consolation if the greatest opportunity in a decade to improve welfare arrangements is not to be grasped."@en1
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