Publications
Animal Welfare Briefing - Live Animal Transport
27 Jul 2005
Live Animal Transport
Background
In 1995, an EU Directive introduced time limits of eight hours but there were exemptions for certain animals and vehicles, for example:
· Cattle, sheep and goats – 14 hours travel, 1 hour rest and water on vehicle, 14 hours travel, 24 hours rest, food and water off the vehicle
· Pigs – 24 hours travel with continuous access to water, 24 hours rest, food and water off the vehicle
· Horses – 24 hours travel with water every eight hours, 24 hours rest, food and water off the vehicle
The EC’s Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare (SCAHAW) published a report in March 2002 that concluded that animals unaccustomed to transport should not be transported and journeys should be as short as possible.
In July 2003, the European Parliament adopted a report that would have set a limit of nine hours for travel, followed by a 12-hour rest period, as well as more space allowances for animals being transported. However, the Council of Ministers could not agree any time limits.
Animal Welfare Briefings - Broiler Chickens
27 Jul 2005
Broiler chickens
Background
Most of the chicken eaten today comes from broiler chickens – birds bred solely for meat. Broilers are selected genetically for fast growth, are ready for slaughter at six weeks and put on weight so rapidly that many can suffer chronic lameness and heart defects. Most broilers are housed in crowded sheds and kept in almost continuous light to encourage them to eat more. 20-30,000 chickens may be kept in one shed, and in the UK there may be up to 19 chickens per m2.
In 2000, the EC’s Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare (SCAHAW) said that the intense selection for fast growth rate in broilers has a major influence on a number of welfare issues, and recommended legislation to improve broiler welfare.
Animal Welfare Briefing - Trapping
27 Jul 2005
Trapping
TRAPPING OF ANIMALS IN THE WILD FOR FUR:
WHY THE COMMISSION PROPOSAL IS A BACKWARD STEP
THE HISTORY BEHIND THE PROPOSAL
In autumn 2004 the Commission agreed its proposal (2004/532) for implementing the "Humane Trapping Agreement" that it concluded with Canada and Russia in 1997. The proposal implements the Agreement virtually to the letter, without any flexibility.
The European Parliament and the RSPCA was against the trapping agreement in 1997 as it was a poor first multilateral animal welfare agreement. Its welfare standards were so low that they could not be considered as humane and were lower than the European Union wanted.
It was agreed as a way out of a trade dispute, not to further animal welfare and results in the past six years shows that it has not helped in improving trapping standards.
Animal Welfare Briefings - Driftnets
27 Jul 2005
Driftnets
In 1998, in response to the conservation and welfare problems caused by driftnetting, EU fisheries ministers agreed to phase out the use of driftnets under Regulation 1239/98. All use of driftnets to catch fish such as tuna, swordfish were to be phased out by 2002. This was mainly in response to the high by catch levels from these fisheries, which caught dolphins and whales and non-target fish. At that time the effected fisheries were in the Mediterranean Sea (Italian and French vessels), and the Atlantic Ocean (Irish, UK and French vessels); the fisheries in the Baltic Sea were covered by more recent legislation that allows a longer phase out period.
Conversion costs were given to allow the fishermen to convert to other fishery methods. The fisheries in the UK, Ireland and France were phased out by the due date. The RSPCA has been investigating the Italian fishery in the three seasons of 2002, 2003 and 2004. This briefing highlights the main results from these investigations and shows that illegal driftnets are still operating from Italian ports.
The Constitution - What's it all about?
01 Jun 2005
Click here to view 'The Constitution - What's it all about?' leaflet by Robert Evans MEP.
25 things you didn't know when you voted for UKIP
24 Jan 2005
Click here to view '25 things you didn't know when you voted for UKIP'.
100 Labour achievements in Europe
24 Aug 2004
Labour MEPs have secured new Europe-wide laws which…
... in the workplace:
1 signed Britain up to the Social Chapter, giving British workers the rights already enjoyed by their continental colleagues.
2 implemented EU wide laws on working time, limiting the length of time workers can be obliged by their employer to work to 48 hours per week.
10 Reasons to back Europe
24 Aug 2004
Click here to view the '10 Reasons to back Europe' publication.
The Euro - What's It All About?
20 Sep 2002
An important debate is underway on the single currency. Whilst I respect the legitimate concerns of those who oppose the euro, I believe that entry is right for Britain as soon as the Chancellor's five economic tests are met.
