§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what information regarding animal welfare(a) on the journey and (b) at the final destination is requested by the animal exports division before authorisations for exports are granted; and if she will make a statement. [132442]
§ Mr. BradshawBefore livestock are exported, transporters must submit a Route Plan setting out details of the proposed journey. Officials check that the transporter is authorised, that the proposed journey times are within the maximum allowable for the species and that all necessary rest, watering and feeding breaks are included. If assembly centres, staging points or slaughterhouses are included in the planned journey, staff check that these are EU approved premises. The use of Staging Points also requires the transporter to provide a statement to the effect that the necessary health requirements will be met there and that the animals are booked into the premises on the dates specified on the Route Plan.
Once staff are satisfied that the proposed journey appears to meet these conditions, the plan is sent to a Local Veterinary Inspector. The animals are then inspected to ensure they are fit for their intended journey and that they meet the health requirements of transit and destination countries.
Supervised loadings of vehicles may be carried out to ensure only fit and healthy animals are loaded, that the vehicle is suitable and that stocking densities are correct. Animals for slaughter or fattening may be inspected on arrival at the port or transfer onto a vessel.
These checks are carried out scrupulously and only when all have been satisfactorily completed will the animals be allowed to start their journey.