A MAXIMUM eight hours for live animal journeys to slaughter has been proposed by DEFRA secretary of state Margaret Beckett.
She outlined her views to the EU Agriculture Council. An eight-hour rule would need to be subject to strictly-controlled
concessions for longer journeys within member states, such as to and from producer and processor businesses in remoter parts of the UK such as Scottish Highlands and Islands.
Currently, animals may legally be transported for up to 24 or 28 hours, depending on the species, before being rested for 24 hours, after which the journey may be continued.
EU Commissioner David Byrne said that member states' considerably differing views on introducing an eight-hour limit
meant further consultation on this matter would be necessary.
Updated: 10:01 Wednesday, September 25, 2002
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article