Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 May 2005
250 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the precise changes in the regulations governing the transport of registered equidae as set out in Council Regulation EC No. 1/2005 of 22 December 2004 for journeys of more than 65 km and less than eight hours duration. [16611/05]
View answer251 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the precise changes in the regulations governing the transport of registered equidae as set out in Council Regulation EC No. 1/2005 of 22 December 2004 for journeys of less than 65 km. [16612/05]
View answer252 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the precise changes in the regulations governing the transport of animals as set out in Council Regulation EC No. 1/2005 of 22 December 2004 for journeys of more than 65 km and less than eight hours duration. [16613/05]
View answer253 Ms Harkin asked the Minister for Agriculture and Food the precise changes in the regulations governing the transport of animals as set out in Council Regulation EC No. 1/2005 of 22 December 2004 for journeys of less than 65 km. [16614/05]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 251 to 253, inclusive, together.
The objectives of Council Regulation EC No. 1/2005, which applies generally from January 2007, are to improve the welfare of animals during transport and to ensure a consistent and effective application of rules governing the transport of animals across the European Union. It is the result of intense negotiations at both the official and political level.
The main changes introduced by this regulation are that persons transporting animals, including registered equidae, over distances of more than 65 km but of less than eight hours duration, must be authorised by my Department and must complete appropriate training related to the welfare of animals during transport. In the cases of journeys of more than eight hours duration, the regulation provides that in addition to the foregoing, drivers and attendants must have appropriate certificates of competence and approval of vehicles.
These requirements do not apply in the case of the transport of live animals, including registered equidae up to a maximum distance of 65 km. In addition, the main provisions of the regulation will not apply to the transport by farmers of their own animals using their own vehicles for distances up to 50 km. However, the following general conditions apply to the transport of all animals, including registered equidae regardless of the duration of the journey: the animals must not be transported in a manner that is likely to cause injury or undue suffering; all necessary arrangements must have been made in advance to minimise the length of the journey and to meet the animals' needs during the journey including the provision of sufficient floor area and of adequate water, feed and rest; the animals must be fit to travel; the transport, loading and unloading facilities must be designed, constructed, maintained and operated to avoid injury and suffering and ensure the safety of the animals; the transport must be carried out without delay to the place of destination; and the welfare conditions of the animals must be regularly checked during the journey.
My Department is considering the arrangements and requirements relating to the operation of the new regime for the transport of animals from 2007 onwards. In this regard, my Department will consult all relevant parties on the most effective way to implement the regulation. The regulation does not apply to the transport of animals, including registered equidae, where they are not in connection with an economic activity nor to the transport of animals directly to or from veterinary practices or clinics under the advice of a veterinarian.
