EU ANIMAL WELFARE ACTION PLAN

11.06.31am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 31st Jan 2006

Sharon Bowles Liberal Democrat Euro-MP for the South East has welcomed a new Action Plan on the protection of animals which was announced by the European Commission last week.

Sharon Bowles said "I wholeheartedly welcome this move. As European Union member states trade closely with one another there has long been a concern that companies that trade in animals/animal products may try to compete with cheaper prices by lowering animal welfare standards. By setting down minimum standards, everyone can be ensured of competing on a level playing. This will prevent any possible future race to the bottom, and producers that do exceed the minimum standards will have due recognition."

"The lives of millions of animals in the EU and even outside the Union will be improved using research, legal standards and increased communication."

"We must simultaneously ensure that such moves do not over burden regulators, local farmers, zoos and so forth. Strong protection for animals will contribute to sustainability and higher quality produce, but it essential that producers are not overwhelmed by costly red tape."

The Action Plan is likely to set the precedence for other countries outside the EU, whilst the Commission has said animal welfare standards should be integrated into trade agreements with non-EU countries.

Ends

Notes to editors:-

Further information on the Action Plan can be found at the following link:-

http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/animal/welfare/index_en.htm