On 17 February 2023, the European Commission (EC) adopted an implementing act and a delegated act to facilitate inspections and official controls of livestock vessels.
The laws regulate the recording, storing and sharing of official control data, contingency plans in case of emergency and the approval of vessels on minimum requirements applicable to the transport of animals by sea.
But the new provisions seem to address mostly administrative loopholes. And do not provide better protection for animals during long sea voyages.
The new rules require ships to be inspected by a team of experts (an official veterinarian and a maritime expert), but say nothing about the thoroughness of the inspections. Only 6% of the 78 livestock vessels approved by the EU were built specifically to carry animals, and 2,504 defects were found in the 2019-2020 period.
What is also new is that an official veterinarian must be present during the maiden voyage of an authorised vessel. There are also minimum requirements for checkpoints at sea port exits. But if an additional part of the journey is planned by road, checks during arrival, unloading and other transport phases after arrival remain absent.
Currently, the transport regulation is being reviewed by the European Commission and a new proposal is expected by the end of this year.
Read more: https://www.eurogroupforanimals.org/news/new-rules-transport-sea-are-ignoring-problem
