On 25. January 2023, the European Parliament’s Intergroup on on the Welfare and Conservation of Animals sent a letter to Commissioner Stella Kyriakides on the transport of live animals. Commissioner Kyriakides is the representative of EC responsible for health and food safety in the EU. It is worth noting that the only MEP from Poland who supported the letter is MEP Dr Sylwia Spurek.

The letter points out that some Member States, despite scientific evidence indicating great suffering and stress for animals, have decided to continue to maintain or even reduce requirements for the transport of live animals to third countries. This topic will be addressed at the next Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH) meeting on 30 January.

The practice of transporting live animals by both sea and land should be consigned to history as soon as possible. 

A total of 17 Members of Parliament have signed the letter.

Photo: Andrew Skowron / We Animals Media