The European Parliament decided by 605 votes to 53, with 31 abstentions to set up a committee of inquiry to investigate alleged contraventions and maladministration in the application of Union law in relation to the protection of animals during transport within and outside the Union.

The committee of inquiry shall investigate alleged violations in the application of Union law as regards the implementation by Member States and the Commission's enforcement of the application of Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations.

It shall focus on the alleged failure of the Commission and the Member States to effectively enforce the numerous EU rules on animal transport within the EU and beyond its borders: approval of means of road transport and livestock vessels, watering and feeding, provisions on temperature and ventilation system, prohibition to transport animals if they are not fit to undertake the journey, separation of certain animals, additional provisions for long journeys, checks to be carried out, etc. The Commission shall also examine the implementation of the Regulation by the Member States and the Commission's monitoring of the application of Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations.

The special committee shall have 30 members and shall submit its final report within 12 months of the adoption of this Decision.