Animals in Europe – Issue #35 – February 2013
Read lots more Euro news for animal welfare at:
http://eurogroupforanimals.cmail2.com/t/ViewEmail/j/3E9D7C1656566D35/CCCDCB0EEB313C856A4D01E12DB8921D
European Commission urges 9 Member States to implement sow stalls ban
Eurogroup welcomes the warning sent by the European Commission to nine EU Member States for not complying with EU Directive (EC) 2001/88 on the protection of pigs, which introduces a ban on the use of individual stalls for pregnant sows and gilts as of 1 January this year.
Despite a generous 12 years phase-out period, Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Poland and Portugal are still keeping thousands of pregnant sows in cruel gestation crates and create market distortion at the expense of already complying producers.
Following the first step taken today by the Commission, Member States have now two months to respond or it will send them a reasoned opinion, the last step before referral to the European Court of Justice.
To read the European Commission’s press release, click here
Reactions to horsemeat scandal and developments
Following the recent controversy surrounding the horsemeat scandal, Eurogroup expressed its serious concern over the current situation and its consequences for animal welfare.
It is essential that food producers and European legislators take their responsibilities seriously and act to ensure that all animals destined for the food chain are treated with respect, their welfare protected and that clear records are kept ensuring that all relevant legislation has been respected and that all animals can be traced and checked.
This horse meat scandal clearly demonstrates that some producers are unable to efficiently apply correct procedures to produce and trace food. Thus Eurogroup reasonably wonders whether business operators will be able to adopt and control practices during transport and in abattoirs which protect the welfare of animals.
Our press release can be found here
Animal Welfare severely compromised in Spanish slaughterhouses
Eurogroup is appalled by a Food and Veterinary Office’s report of a mission carried out in Spanish slaughterhouses which evaluated controls for animal at the time of slaughter.
Despite previous audits and recommendations, the report still shows a severe lack of consideration for animal welfare rules from the Competent Authorities responsible for the enforcement of animal welfare laws. It includes obligations under Directive 93/119/EC on the protection of animals at the time of slaughter or killing and Regulation (EC) 882/2004 on official controls, especially during the restraining of poultry, of cattle during ritual slaughter without stunning and the effectiveness of stunning.
Eurogroup urges the European Commission to take swift action against Spain to ensure the rapid implementation of all controls for animal welfare at the time of slaughter.
To see the report, click here
Filed under: CAMPAIGNS - Global Animal Welfare Issues, GENERAL NEWS - International / National / Regional | Leave a comment »
Serbian Animals Voice (SAV) 