The N-VA supports the European Inquiry Committee on animal transport

N-VA MEPs support the European Parliament’s call for an inquiry committee on animal transport. According to Johan Van Overtveldt, this activity does not always take place in accordance with animal welfare standards. “Every year, millions of animals are transported over long distances between EU Member States and to countries outside the EU. Legislation to ensure the welfare of animals during transport has been in place since 2005, but problems with its implementation and enforcement both within and outside the EU are distressing and unacceptable.”

Often, animal transport is synonymous with animal cruelty

Overcrowded vehicles, insufficient breaks for rest, food and water, inadequate ventilation, transport in extreme heat, etc.; it all amounts to animal cruelty, and it is all too common. In February 2019, the European Parliament already adopted a resolution containing a series of concrete recommendations to improve the existing rules. A group of MEPs called for an inquiry committee then as well, but the Conference of Presidents did not agree to it. However, it did succeed on the second attempt.

An end to animal suffering

The N-VA hopes that the work of the Inquiry Committee can persuade the Commission to review the legislation. This ambition is also included in the Flemish coalition agreement. The N-VA is responding positively. “Flanders has been a requesting party for a long time. Flemish Minister of Animal Welfare Ben Weyts was given a firm mandate by the Flemish Parliament to request this from the EU. There is broad support for rapid action, especially among the Northern and Western European Member States. We are therefore continuing to apply pressure from Flanders to put an end to animal suffering.”