World Horse Welfare welcomes scientists’ report on transportation

World Horse Welfare’s campaign to end the long-distance transportation of horses to slaughter in Europe has received a boost with the publication of recommendations from a panel of experts, which include a cap on journey times and improved welfare conditions for horses.

Scientists at the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have made a number of recommendations for improvements to current EU welfare legislation for horses and other animals during transport. EFSA’s findings will inform a report being produced by the European Commission on the current Regulation, due out in the autumn.

World Horse Welfare informed EFSA’s report by submitting evidence from its own research and field investigations. Many of the charity’s campaign priorities have been explored within the recommendations, including journey limits, space allowance, water provision and partition design, demonstrating the importance of the charity’s on-going scientific research.

Jo White, Director of Campaigns at World Horse Welfare, said that the recommendation for a 12 hour journey limit for horses destined for slaughter was extremely welcome.

World Horse Welfare is also pleased to see the inclusion of other recommendations that would improve welfare conditions, many of which were put forward by the charity in its package of evidence. These include: providing water before and after the journey and continual access to an unrestricted supply of clean drinking water during the whole of any rest period, ensuring all horses are transported in individual partitions (with some exceptions) and undertaking research to improve the design of partitions. EFSA also recognises that space allowance needs to be tackled, which is a step in the right direction.

You can read the EFSA Report here.