Local MEPs give boost to horse welfare

 Local Conservative MEPs Geoffrey Van Orden and Vicky Ford have strongly supported a campaign organised by World Horse Welfare to end ill-treatment of horses being transported for slaughter, a problem largely affecting horses on the continent of Europe.

Currently some 100,000 horses a year are being transported across Europe to slaughter, many of them without proper rest, food or water and in overly cramped conditions.

A written declaration (similar to a House of Commons Early Day Motion) calling on the Commission to enforce rules governing the welfare of animals during transport to slaughter was adopted by the Parliament today (11 February), after Conservatives actively campaigned for the necessary number of signatures.  

They emphasised, however, that this initiative focuses exclusively on slaughter horses, and warned against unnecessary legislation being imposed on the thoroughbred trade and racing sector, which already upholds exemplary animal welfare standards.

 Geoffrey Van Orden said,

 "Conservatives are very supportive of animal welfare measures. Now we want to see that rules already in place are properly enforced on the continent. A distinction has to be maintained between the transportation of animals for slaughter and for other reasons. In the UK, and in the East of England, the thoroughbred industry has an excellent record on transport conditions, and of course, has an interest in seeing that the horses are treated well in transit. Horseracing and breeding is an important part of our local economy, employing some 7,000 people in the Newmarket area."

 Vicky Ford said,

 "Horse lovers across the East of England have been totally shocked by the stories that have unravelled from continental Europe. Most of these journeys are completely unnecessary as slaughter facilities exist across Europe - we want to see an end to slaughter horses being moved around like this. There has been an overwhelming response to the World Horse Welfare campaign from East of England residents, and I am delighted the declaration has been adopted."

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