Liz Lynne MEP launches campaign against inhumane horse transportation.

11.40.00am GMT Tue 18th Nov 2008

LibDem MEP Liz Lynne will today launch a written declaration in the European Parliament in collaboration with the campaigning organisation World Horse Welfare, calling on EU Governments and the European Commission to do more to enforce welfare rules on the long-distance transportation of horses across the EU for slaughter.

It is estimated that up to 100,000 horses are driven long distances into or across Europe every year. Reports by animal welfare organisations including the charity World Horse Welfare, have found evidence that EU rules designed to provide minimum welfare standards are often ignored.

Among the abuses uncovered were examples of horses being denied rest stops, not being properly fed and watered, or being enclosed in spaces far too small for them meaning that they can fall and suffer injury or even death during the journey.

Speaking today at the launch of the written declaration Liz said that the next step was to have a proper debate on the matter in the Parliament:

"There is now overwhelming evidence showing EU rules meant to protect the welfare of horses during long distance transport are being flouted, resulting in inhumane conditions and needless suffering."

"Horses are being packed like sardines into steel lorries where temperatures can be above 40 degrees and might be transported for thousands of miles with no food or water, causing injury or even death.

"It is vital that EU Government's and the EU Commission act quickly to ensure that existing rules are properly enforced, with punishments to match.

"I hope that this declaration will raise awareness of the issue, both among my fellow MEPs and among the public in general, and will be a step towards alleviating the avoidable trauma these animals are subjected to."

ENDS

Notes: Liz Co-authored the Written Declaration with fellow MEPs Satu Hassi MEP, Roger Helmer MEP and Christel Schaldemose MEP

The written declaration will force a full debate on the issue by the European Parliament if signed by more than half the European- MPs.

For more information on the world horse welfare campaign please see:

http://www.ilph.org/campaigns.asp