§ 18. Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what measures he proposes to minimise the trauma to animals raised for slaughter.
§ Mrs. BrowningThere is already much legislation and guidance to protect, during rearing, transit and at the slaughterhouse, the welfare of animals raised for slaughter.
§ 19. Lady Olga MaitlandTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what steps he is taking to improve standards in the transportation of farm animals.
§ Mrs. BrowningWe have issued a proposal to supplement our own comprehensive domestic legislation with a code of practice, and are pressing for EU legislation which matches our own high domestic standards.
§ 25. Mrs. Ann WintertonTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make a statement on the welfare of animals in transit.
§ Mrs. BrowningAnimals in transit have the protection of the Welfare of Animals during Transport Order 1994, which came into effect this week. This re-makes its 1992 predecessor, with the addition of tighter controls and tougher sanctions in relation to journey plans.
The order implements the provisions of Community directive 91/628, and sets down strict national standards on feeding and watering in transit, including for exported animals, as permitted by the directive pending EC agreement on these aspects.
We are continuing to press for tough and enforceable measures at Community level, and will supplement our national provisions with a code of practice, which we have circulated in draft for comment.