Conversation with EU parliamentarian Stefan Köhler about animal transport regulation
[Translate to English:] Unsere Projektleiterin Iris Baumgärtner zusammen mit dem Leiter des Reutlinger Veterinäramts, Dr. Thomas Buckenmaier, vor dem EU-Parlament in Strassburg.
The EU Parliament is currently discussing the Commission's proposal to revise the Animal Transport Regulation. However, there is considerable disagreement among the political groups about the the new law. It is therefore essential that we engage in dialogue with the parliamentarians involved and explain why urgent changes to the law are needed. Last week, our project manager Iris Baumgärtner met with EU politician Stefan Köhler in Strasbourg.
Köhler is a member of the committee advising on the revision of the EU Animal Transport Regulation and spokesperson for the EPP group in Parliament. Iris Baumgärtner was received by him in the EU Parliament together with official veterinarian Dr Thomas Buckenmaier.
The discussion focused on the recommendations of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Iris Baumgärtner pointed out to the politician how essential it is to take these recommendations seriously. ‘We have appealed for the EFSA's recommendations to be taken seriously and for the space available to animals to be increased, transport times to be reduced and transport in extreme temperatures to be regulated,’ she said.
Despite differing expectations regarding the future regulation, there was agreement that urgent action is needed with regard to the transport of unweaned animals and exports to third countries.
MEP Köhler made it clear that the negotiations will continue for months and that it is very difficult to gain majorities within the European Parliament for stricter animal welfare requirements during transport. ‘This exchange has given us important insights into the current challenges and the political situation,’ concluded Iris Baumgärtner.
