Written Question

Mr. Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what steps he is taking in the Council of Ministers to seek to improve the welfare of live horses during transport in mainland Europe. [295690]

Member Answering Question: Jim Fitzpatrick MP, Minister for Farming and the Environment:

Answer: At the Agriculture Council on 7 September the Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, expressed concern at the unnecessarily long journeys some animals, including horses, undertake within Europe, particularly for slaughter. He urged the European Commission to give due consideration to shorter journey times and improved enforcement of welfare in transport rules when they bring forward proposals to review the welfare in transport regulation 1/2005.