NFUS warns against
further transport legislation
Meat Info
Published: (24-07-2008)
NFU Scotland (NFUS) has warned that
The European Commission has launched a web consultation with
the intention of reviewing the current legislation on travelling times and
stocking densities for animals under transport.
NFUS has condemned the consultation as badly written,
confusing to complete and heavily weighted in favour
of reduced journey times and stocking densities. With this in mind, the union
has issued a guidance on completing the form, and is
encouraging individual farmers and other organisations
to respond.
NFUS vice-president Nigel Miller said that it “beggars belief” that only 18 months into new EU transport
rules, the Commission has chosen to reopen debate on transport times and
stocking densities.
He insisted that the latest regulations - which introduced
transporter authorisations and driver competence
tests - would take welfare standards to a new level through
“If those behind the consultation get their way, then many
journeys within the
“Reducing journey length, would
have a huge impact on those producing cattle and sheep in our more remote
areas. At the same time, cutting the numbers of stock allowed to be carried on
a vehicle will drive up costs, with the possibility of delivering poorer
welfare conditions for those animals being transported.
"Even if journey length cuts are restricted to those
animals going to abattoirs, then the Scottish industry’s reliance on
slaughtering facilities elsewhere in the UK for cattle, sheep and pigs will be
severely challenged.”
The NFUS plans to sit down in the next few weeks with the
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