Activities of Pascal DURAND related to 2020/2269(INI)
Plenary speeches (1)
Protection of animals during transport - Protection of animals during transport (Recommendation) (debate)
Legal basis opinions (0)
Amendments (41)
Amendment 11 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22
Citation 22
Amendment 82 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital K
Recital K
K. whereas the value of the intra-EU trade in live animals was EUR 8.6 billion in 2018, with bovine animals, pigs and poultry having the highest values; whereas the export of live animals represents around EUR 1.6 billion and provides around 60 000 direct jobs and 300 000 indirect jobs, especially in rural areas14 ; _________________ 14 At a Glance – ‘EU trade and transport of live animals’, European Parliament, Directorate-General for Parliamentary Research, Members’ Research Service, 7 February 2020.;
Amendment 88 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
Ka. whereas live animal transport within the EU and from the EU to third countries causes great animal suffering and the live export trade is known to involve risks of exceedingly rough handling and extremely cruel methods of slaughter;
Amendment 101 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital K b (new)
Recital K b (new)
Kb. whereas it is possible to transport meat and genetic material instead of live animals as countries are already trading meat/carcasses and embryos;
Amendment 138 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 3
Paragraph 3
3. Recalls that the Commission, in its 2011 report on the impact of Regulation (EC) No 1/2005, reported about a gap between the requirements of the legislation and available scientific evidence; additionally, the Commission identified the enforcement of the regulation as a major challenge, partly because of differences in the interpretation of the requirements and partly because of the lack of controls by the Member States, recalls that the report underlines the fact that implausible transport plans are approved;
Amendment 144 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. ConsidersTakes note that Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 does not fully take into account the different transport needs of animalsll the animals transported, according to their species, age, size and physical condition, orincluding specific feeding and watering requirements, temperatures and handling requirements, and the pre-and post-loading requirements of fish;
Amendment 160 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 5
Paragraph 5
5. Concludes that many of the problems in animal transport originate from unclearlegislative provisions unfit to ensure the welfare of the animals transported, lack of political will by Member States to address breaches of the law, misleading requirements and the lack of clear definitions in the current regulation, leaving room forwhich leave room for interpretation. All of this, often is at the source of systematic violations, uneven application of the rules and for, increased risks for animals, and for unfair competition among operators in the sector, leaving companies and Member States which abide by the rules facing unfair competition from those which do not;
Amendment 176 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 6
Paragraph 6
6. Welcomes the fact that the Commission has mandated EFSA to assess the most recent scientific information available on the welfare of the main terrestrial farm species during transport and on risks to their well-being, and highlights the urgent need to assess the most recent scientific information on the welfare of fish and companion animals during transport;
Amendment 196 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 7
Paragraph 7
7. Calls attention to the numerous reports and information from citizens, NGOs and audit reports on animal welfare problems during transport and non- compliance with the regulation, in particular concerning long journeys and transport to third countries, compromising the European Union’s obligation to ensure the protection of animal welfare during transport from loading until final destination;
Amendment 206 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 8 a (new)
Paragraph 8 a (new)
8a. Takes note of the information provided by DG SANTE in its official Audit Report regarding the failure of the Member States audited in implementing Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 as well as the high risk of animal suffering during the transport of EU animals to third countries;
Amendment 210 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Acknowledges the letters sent by the Commission, in the framework of the Farm to Fork strategy, asking Member States to ensure immediate and full compliance with EU requirements, including on animal welfare during transport, and expressing its determination to take legal action in the event of systematic non-compliance; notes that no infringements proceedings have been opened by the Commission against any Member State, which should be made in the case of non-compliance;
Amendment 213 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 9
Paragraph 9
9. Acknowledges the letters sent by the Commission, in the framework of the Farm to Fork strategy, asking Member States to ensure immediate and full compliance with EU requirements, including on animal welfare during transport, and expressing its determination to take legal action in the event of systematic non-compliance; notes that unfortunately no infringements proceedings have been opened by the Commission against any Member State;
Amendment 219 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10
Paragraph 10
10. Notes that the most frequently documented violations during road transports are linked to the lack of headroom and space, animals being unfit for transport, overcrowding, transport during extreme temperatures and journey durationanimals’ dehydration due to inappropriate watering devices or lack or water supply, transport during extreme temperatures, journey duration, disregard for the CJEU ruling C-424/13, non-realistic journey logs and non-feasible contingency plan; additionally notes that the communication on findings from official controls between competent authorities from different Member States remains poor; stresses that these violations are greatly facilitated by weak enforcement measures by authorities and by too little controls (quantitative and qualitative); stresses that sanctions are too weak and not dissuasive;
Amendment 226 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 a (new)
Paragraph 10 a (new)
10a. Notes that the most frequently documented violations on transport by sea are lack of knowledge by the competent authorities when inspecting livestock, lack of trained personnel handling the animals on the vessel, lack of legislated temperature and humidity requirements during the sea transport and lack of contingency plans for transporters as well as for competent authorities;
Amendment 232 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 10 b (new)
Paragraph 10 b (new)
10b. Notes that there is no systematic and evidenced-based communication system between competent authorities from third countries and member states on fulfilment of legislated animal welfare requirements would have been needed;
Amendment 243 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 13
Paragraph 13
13. Recognises that faultnegligent practices have been reported in the loading of animals without observing the requirements for their separation in accordance with age, size and whether they have horns and whether they are pregnant (heifers); recognises that unsuitable loading facilities and improper handling of animals during loading on vessels, leading to animals falling into the water must be stopped immediately and controls as well as sanctions must be established in case of infringements;
Amendment 251 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 14
Paragraph 14
14. Takes note of several reports of incorrect handling during animal loading and unloading, causing unnecessary stress and suffering; stresses that proper animal handling results in shorter loading and unloading times, reduced weight loss, fewer injuries and wounds and, ultimately, better meat quality; underlines that the risk for AMR increases when animals are transported in close and stressful spaces;
Amendment 260 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16
Paragraph 16
16. Stresses that according to Regulation (EC) No 1/2005, the farmer, the driver and transport companies share equal responsibility for assessing whether animals are fit for transport; notes that the most common breaches in this respect concern the transport of pregnant animals, animals more than 90 % of the way through gestation, which sometimes give birth on board, downers (with physiological weakness and/or wounds or a pathological condition), and animals with wounds or prolapsmixing of weaned and unweaned animals in the same consignment, not respecting the specific needs of unweaned animals, and animals with wounds or prolapses; insists that revision of the Regulation includes provision that those responsible for assessing whether animals are fit for transport are liable, should those animals proved to be unfit for transport; stresses that unweaned, pregnant as well as end of career animals are particularly vulnerable animal categories;
Amendment 271 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 16 a (new)
Paragraph 16 a (new)
16a. Recognises the inhomogeneous and improper training of police and veterinary authorities to ensure proper controls at any stage of the journey; takes note that proper control is often subject to individual efforts and interest, while systemic controls are lacking;
Amendment 287 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 17
Paragraph 17
17. Is very concerned about the number of reports of inappropriate vehicles being used to transport live animals, whether by land or by sea, and recognises the major differences between the Member States in interpreting and enforcing the regulation, as far as the approval of the means of transport is concerned , with emphasis on road vehicles being routinely authorized to transport unweaned animals even though they are not fulfilling the legislative requirements of the watering system (open water source drinkers), and on the authorisation of unsuitable vessels;
Amendment 303 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Takes note of the Commission’s findings that, with some exceptions, the systems in place for livestock vessel approval are insufficient to minimise the risks, mainly because the majority of the competent authorities inspecting livestock vessels do not have adequate procedures, or access to specific technical expertise (e.g. a veterinarian, a marine surveyor), to verify vessels’ systems for water pumps, ventilation and drainage, all of which are critical for animal welfare during a journey on a livestock vessel;
Amendment 330 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 25
Paragraph 25
25. Notes that the vehicles used for transporting animals inside and outside the Union are often not equipped with air cooling systems; highlights that though air ventilation systems move the air through the animal compartment, the temperature inside the vehicle will nevertheless mainly reflect the external temperature, in particular when the vehicle is stationarysult in a higher temperature than the external temperature, due to additional up- heating of the vehicle by the animals body heat, in particular when the vehicle is stationary; notes that these vehicles are therefore inadequate and should not be used;
Amendment 348 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 29
Paragraph 29
29. Recalls that the Official Controls Regulation (EU) No 2017/625 will replace, as of 15 December 2022, several provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1/2005, namely on checks on long journeys, training of the competent authorities’ staff, checks at exit points, emergency measures in the case of non-compliance, mutual assistance and exchange of information, infringements and on-the-spot checks by the Commission; emphasises the need for frequent and thorough inspections;
Amendment 358 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 32
Paragraph 32
32. Notes that further improvements to data collection systems and to TRACES can and should be made in the current legislative framework, to help harmonise procedures between Member States’ competent authorities;
Amendment 379 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37
Paragraph 37
37. Is aware that there are insufficient checks in somthe majority of the Member States, in particular road checks and retrospective checks;
Amendment 411 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 40 a (new)
Paragraph 40 a (new)
40a. Regrets that, against the experts’ opinions (i.e., OIE, EFSA, and FVE) stating that animals should be transported as short as possible and, when feasible, their transport avoided, Regulation (EC) No. 1/2005 allows for long- and very-long journeys;
Amendment 422 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Regrets the fact that, in spite of the mandatory use of control post facilities for unloading, watering, feeding and resting of animals during long journeys, the drivers of the vehicles do not always stop in keeping with the requirements ofas required by the regulation, as has been reported on various occasions;
Amendment 434 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 43
Paragraph 43
43. Takes note of the indications that many competent authorities often approve and stamp journey logs with unrealistically short estimated journey times, in clear contravention of the provisions of Regulation 1/2005;
Amendment 450 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 45
Paragraph 45
45. NoteRegrets that Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 only contains a general provision on temperature, lacking indications about the temperature-humidity index and about species- and category- as well as age-specific optimal temperature ranges, that take into account factors such as shearing, body condition, etc.;
Amendment 459 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 46
Paragraph 46
46. Recalls that the means of transport by road for long journeys must be fitted with a temperature monitoring and recording system, as well as with a means of recording such data; regrets the lack of mandatory requirements for such systems in livestock vessels, regrets the lack of mandatory requirements for such systems for short distance journeys;
Amendment 469 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47 a (new)
Paragraph 47 a (new)
47a. Regrets the fact that provisions are not made for the welfare of fish in spite of them being in the scope of the regulation, being transported in large numbers, having immune systems especially vulnerable to stress, in spite of the Commission repeatedly identifying the shortfalls of the regulation with regards to fish, and as divergent and non- comprehensive guidelines are increasingly developed across Europe;
Amendment 474 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 47 b (new)
Paragraph 47 b (new)
47b. Recalls that EFSA in 2004 concluded that the transport of very young terrestrial farmed animals should be avoided;
Amendment 481 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Stresses the vulnerability of unweaned animals and that the current minimum age for the transport of calves is too low; believes that the minimum age of very young animals should be corrected to a minimum age of being unweaned, meaning being able to feed on solid feed and drink water of drinkers working with over pressure method; highlights that, according to various experts and the former sub-group of the EU Animal Platform on Animal Welfare, more scientific evidence is needed to support good practices in the long-distance transport of unweaned animals and that the current provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 are not adapted to the needs of these animals;
Amendment 488 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 48
Paragraph 48
48. Stresses the vulnerability of unweaned animals and that the current minimum age for the transport of calves is too low and therefore should be raised; highlights that, according to various experts and the former sub-group of the EU Animal Platform on Animal Welfare, more scientific evidence is needed to support good practices in the long-distance transport of unweaned animals and that the current provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 are not adapted to the needs of these animals;
Amendment 499 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 49
Paragraph 49
49. Recallgrets that, although according to the regulation, watering devices shall function properly and be appropriately designed and positioned for the different categories of animals (size and species) to be watered on board the vehicle, water is often reported as not available to animals because the devices are inappropriate for the species transported, the devices are filthy and covered in manure, or the water supply is not switched on;
Amendment 543 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 53 a (new)
Paragraph 53 a (new)
53a. Stresses that overloading may lead to suffering of animals and can be one of the causes also leading to accidents, such as capsizing during transports by sea as was the case at Queen Hind; stresses the lack of possibilities to unload, shade, feed and water animals at ports (within and outside the EU) and border crossings;
Amendment 572 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 55
Paragraph 55
55. NotStresses that once livestock consignments crosses the EU border, respect for animal welfare standards may be difficult tocannot be guaranteed, both en route and on arrival, as third countries are not bound by EU legislatione lack of control by the EU authority in third countries; recalls the judgement of the Court of Justice of the European Union, which states that EU welfare rules are binding until the final place of destination in third countries, and that EU authorities must approve animal transports only when compliance with the EU rules can be guaranteed until final destination;
Amendment 597 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 59
Paragraph 59
59. Agrees with the Commission that the presence of a qualified veterinarian during loading for long journeys to non-EU countries constitutes good practice16 ; stresses that a veterinarian at border crossings and an independent EU control body at the final destinations to check the status of the animals when arriving at the final destination would be necessary to ensure compliance to EU legislation and enforcement of the relevant CJEU; _________________ 16 Final report of an audit carried out in the Netherlands from 20 February 2017 to 24 February 2017 in order to evaluate animal welfare during transport to non-EU countries, European Commission, Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety, 2017.
Amendment 615 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 63
Paragraph 63
63. Recognises that currently third countries’ authorities, transporters or ships’ masters do not provide routine feedback on the condition of animals during the sea - and road-leg of their journey, or on the condition in which they arrive at destination.; recognises that there are no official statistics about the number of animals arriving dead in third countries;
Amendment 618 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 63 a (new)
Paragraph 63 a (new)
63a. Stresses that the revised Transport Regulation must be aligned with the Farm to Fork and thus promote a local and short food chain where animals are not transported outside the EU; invites the Commission to put forward a strategy to shift from live transport to a meat, carcasses, genetic material only trade;
Amendment 628 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 63 b (new)
Paragraph 63 b (new)
63b. Stresses the fact that until the already existing legislative requirements are put in place, the transport of animals should be limited as much as possible;