Press Release: Animal welfare in transport: new EU rules enter into force

The new Regulation on animal welfare in transport enters into force on 5 January 2007. European Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou said: "This important animal welfare legislation aims to reduce the stress and harm that animals can experience during land and sea journeys. Among the new safeguards for animals being introduced are higher standards for vehicles and equipment, and stricter requirements for those dealing with animals in transport. The Regulation also provides for measures to ensure the better enforcement of EU rules in this area, such as the use of satellite navigation systems."