§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what recent discussions she has had with other EU Ministers about the international transportation of horses; and if she will make a statement. [141938]
§ Alun MichaelThe international transportation of horses is being considered as a part of the European Commission's proposal to update and improve the current EU rules on the welfare of animals during transport. This review has the potential to improve significantly the way many horses are transported into and within the EU. We are also taking the opportunity of this review to consider the best way to protect British equines. This is a matter that we will raise with other EU Ministers in the course of normal business and in particular when the proposals are presented to the Agriculture Council.
§ Mr. HealdTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will list the organisations which she has consulted about the welfare of horses during transport. [143712]
§ Alun MichaelWe consulted 50 animal welfare and trade organisations, and almost 800 transporters who hold specific authorisations to transport animals, on the European Commission's proposals to update and replace the current directive on the welfare of animals during transport. In addition, further discussions, on horse transport and related issues, are taking place with the British Horse Industry Confederation and representatives of the British Horse Society, the International League for the Protection of Horses, the National Equine Welfare Council, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the World Society for the Protection of Animals.