Joe Higgins
Question:194 Mr. Higgins (Dublin West) asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and Rural Development if his Department is enforcing EU animal transport law in the case of animals exported. [25441/00]
Written Answers. - Live Exports.
I regard animal welfare as a high priority in view of both the legitimate concern that animals be transported in acceptable conditions and the pragmatic reason that it is in the interests of livestock farmers and their families that their animals reach their destination in the best possible condition. I therefore regard rigorous enforcement of animal welfare criteria as vital to our export trade in live animals.
I am satisfied that animals are leaving this country in full compliance with the regulations governing animal health and welfare. There have been reports of a small number of specific instances where people responsible for the transport of animals from Ireland did not appear to have adhered strictly to EU welfare rules. These reports relate to the implementation of the rules in other jurisdictions. In this context officials of my Department are in regular contact with their counterparts in those jurisdictions so that any such instances as arise are dealt with promptly.
My Department has written to approved livestock hauliers to remind them of their obligation to adhere to rules in relation to the protection of animals during transport and to advise them that I will consider revoking the licences of hauliers found to have been in breach of these rules.