Declaration on export refunds for live cattle to third countries

The European Parliament adopted a declaration on export refunds for live cattle to third countries.

It calls on the Commission and the Council to bring an immediate and permanent end to the system of export refund payments on live cattle exports to third countries.

Parliament notes that around 200 000 live cattle are exported each year from the EU to Lebanon and Egypt. Export refunds of around EUR 60 million a year have been paid in recent years for these animals and that up to EUR 77 million are available for export refunds in 2005. Parliament is concerned that journeys can last up to 10 days, that upon arrival animals are often handled and slaughtered by methods which are illegal under EU law, and that consequently great suffering is inflicted on the animals. Existing legislation is not enforced and is in any case inadequate to protect the welfare of the animals. The Parliament calls for public funds to be spent instead on schemes which promote and protect the welfare of animals.