Declaration on the establishment of a maximum 8-hour journey limit for animals transported in the European Union for the purpose of being slaughtered

The European Parliament adopted a written declaration signed by 395 Members on the establishment of a maximum 8-hour journey limit for animals transported in the European Union for the purpose of being slaughtered. It notes that the 8hours.eu petition calling for the establishment of a maximum 8-hour journey limit for animals sent for slaughter is supported by nearly one million Europeans. However, Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 acknowledges in its recitals that ‘the transport of animals over long journeys, including animals for slaughter, should be limited as far as possible’ but still allows very long transports in terms of distance and duration, causing animals severe distress, suffering and even death during such journeys.

Parliament calls on the Commission and the Council to review Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 to establish a maximum 8-hour limit for the journeys of animals transported for the purpose of being slaughtered.