EU proposes new rules to improve animal welfare in transport

As announced by the Farm to Fork Strategy, the Commission has proposed the biggest reform of EU animal welfare rules during transport in 20 years. The new rules reflect the latest scientific evidence and insights as well as technological developments.

• Travel times will be shortened and during long journeys, animals must be unloaded for periods of rest, feeding and watering. Special rules will apply to animals for slaughter, and to vulnerable animals such as unweaned calves and pregnant animals.
• Allowances to ensure minimum space for the different animals will be increased and adapted to each species.
• Transport in extreme temperatures will be subject to strict conditions, including limiting transportation solely to night-time when temperatures exceed 30 degrees. In addition, when temperatures are below 0°C, road vehicles shall be covered and air circulation in the animal compartment controlled, in order to protect animals from exposure to windchill during the journey. If temperatures drop below -5°C, along with the previously mentioned measures, travel duration should not surpass 9 hours.
• Rules for the exports of live animals from the Union will be tightened, including better controls in third countries to meet equivalent standards as those found in the EU.
• Digital tools will be used to facilitate the enforcement of transport rules (e.g. real-time positioning of vehicles; central database).

The two legislative proposals will be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council. On the European Citizens' Initiative, EFSA will begin its scientific assessment on the basis of the Commission's request and deliver its scientific opinion by March 2025.