Activities of Juozas OLEKAS related to 2020/2269(INI)
Plenary speeches (1)
Protection of animals during transport - Protection of animals during transport (Recommendation) (debate)
Amendments (41)
Amendment 3 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 a (new)
Citation 10 a (new)
— having regard to the European Food Safety Authority scientific opinion "General approach to fish welfare and to the concept of sentience in fish", adopted on 29 January 20091a, _________________ 1a The EFSA Journal (2009) 954, 1-27
Amendment 4 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 b (new)
Citation 10 b (new)
— having regard to the Aquatic Animal Health Code, OIE, 2015,
Amendment 5 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 10 c (new)
Citation 10 c (new)
— having regard to the European Commission’s study “Welfare of farmed fish: Common practices during transport and at slaughter”, September 2017,
Amendment 9 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 15 a (new)
Citation 15 a (new)
— having regard to the Council conclusions of 28 June 2021 on animal welfare during maritime long distances transport to third countries1a, _________________ 1a https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/docu ment/ST-10235-2021-INIT/en/pdf
Amendment 14 #
Motion for a resolution
Citation 22 a (new)
Citation 22 a (new)
— having regard to the OIE Aquatic Animal Health Strategy 2021-20253a, _________________ 3a https://www.oie.int/app/uploads/2021/05/e n-oie-aahs.pdf
Amendment 92 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital K a (new)
Recital K a (new)
Ka. whereas the European livestock farms employ around 4 million people (salaried and non-salaried), 80% of whom reside in the more recent EU Member States3a; _________________ 3a https://op.europa.eu/en/publication- detail/-/publication/04af47b0-0c38-11eb- bc07-01aa75ed71a1/language-en
Amendment 96 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital K b (new)
Recital K b (new)
Kb. whereas livestock farming is the main beneficiary of second pillar aid to farms in disadvantaged areas, which make up 50% of the European UAA, and of Agro-Environmental Measures, which compensate for the additional costs linked to unfavourable location or the obligations of having to respect specific legislation4a; _________________ 4a https://op.europa.eu/en/publication- detail/-/publication/04af47b0-0c38-11eb- bc07-01aa75ed71a1/language-en
Amendment 103 #
Motion for a resolution
Recital K c (new)
Recital K c (new)
Kc. whereas EU fish intra-trade plays an essential role in the whole EU fishery trade and it accounted in 2014 for 86% of total trade within and outside the EU, volumes sold within the EU reaching at 5,74 million tonnes with a value of EUR 20,6 billion, the highest registered since 20065a. _________________ 5a https://trade.ec.europa.eu/doclib/docs/201 6/february/tradoc_154321.pdf
Amendment 114 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1
Paragraph 1
1. Emphasises that transport is stressful for animals andhe scientific literature on animal transport is scarce and that the transport is stressful for animals, especially when not properly conducted, and it can have a potential impact not only on their health and welfare, but on consumer's health as well;
Amendment 125 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 a (new)
Paragraph 1 a (new)
1a. Takes note of the fact that, albeit factors such as extreme temperatures, lack of food, water and rest, loading and unloading6a are catalysed by the length of the journey, it is not the journey duration per se that causes welfare issues for live animals during transport; further notes that, provided conditions are optimal, healthy and fit farm animals could possibly be exposed to long transport durations without necessarily compromising their welfare5a; _________________ 5a https://www.researchgate.net/publication/ 221974187_Road_transport_of_farm_ani mals_Effect_of_journey_duration_on_ani mal_welfare 6a Results from scientific projects (Hartung et al., 2006; Marahrens et al., 2003) show that the main source of stress is the loading and unloading procedure and not the duration of transportation
Amendment 127 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 b (new)
Paragraph 1 b (new)
1b. Emphasises that live animal transport is the result of the specialization of farmers in one or more stages of the animal’s life, of the management of environmental issues and of the various production systems across the EU, which arise from different geographical, climatic, environmental and traditional factors and that it supports the economic strength and social vibrancy of territories across the EU, which contain main production areas being located in depopulating areas or in areas with natural constraints across the EU;
Amendment 129 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 1 c (new)
Paragraph 1 c (new)
1c. Emphasises that due to the complex relationships among the various needs and requirements of farmed fish and their behavioural and physiological consequences, as for all animals it is impossible to find one single measurement or welfare indicator that will cover all possible husbandry systems, farmed species and situations;
Amendment 132 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 2
Paragraph 2
2. Recalls that in the Council conclusions of 16 December 2019 on animal welfare, all Member States recognised the challenges that long- distance transport implies for animal welfare, the shortcomings and inconsistencies in enforcing the rules and the need for better rule enforcement, as well as the need to review and update the current legislation, in the light of the latest scientific knowledge;
Amendment 145 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 4
Paragraph 4
4. Considers that Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 does not fully take into account the different transport needs of animals, according to species, age, size and physical condition, or specific feeding and watering requirements; underlines that for terrestrial farm animals, transport is prescribed in more details in the Regulation, but not for fish;
Amendment 301 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 19
Paragraph 19
19. Takes note of the Commission’s findings that, with some exceptions, the systems in place for livestock vessel approval are insufficient to minimise the risks, mainly because the majority of the competent authorities inspecting livestock vessels do not have adequate procedures, or access to specific technical expertise, to verify vessels’ emergency systems, systems for water pumps and feeding, ventilation and drainage, all ofnon veterinary systems which are critical for animal welfare during a journey on a livestock vessel;
Amendment 370 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Points out that Member States are solely responsible for creating sanction systems, which ultimately leaves each of them to define their own administrative and sanctioning procedures, as well as the level of penalties for infringements in the event of animal welfare violations during transport, thereby resulting in very different systems all across the EUnd unfair competition between operators all across the EU, as well as avoidance of some routes, leading, in some cases, to longer transport distances and times;
Amendment 370 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 36
Paragraph 36
36. Points out that Member States are solely responsible for creating sanction systems, which ultimately leaves each of them to define their own administrative and sanctioning procedures, as well as the level of penalties for infringements in the event of animal welfare violations during transport, thereby resulting in very different systems all across the EUnd unfair competition between operators all across the EU, as well as avoidance of some routes, leading, in some cases, to longer transport distances and times;
Amendment 385 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 a (new)
Paragraph 37 a (new)
37a. Is also aware of the inconsistencies in risk-based animal welfare road controls, which is generated by the lack of police training of police officers, the insufficient human resource and the lack of equipment and infrastructure;
Amendment 385 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 37 a (new)
Paragraph 37 a (new)
37a. Is also aware of the inconsistencies in risk-based animal welfare road controls, which is generated by the lack of police training of police officers, the insufficient human resource and the lack of equipment and infrastructure;
Amendment 420 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Regrets the fact that, in spite of the mandatory use of control post facilities for unloading, watering, feeding and resting of animals during long journeys, thvehicle drivers of the vehicles do not always stop or unload the animals in keeping with the requirements of the regulation, as has been reported on various occasions;
Amendment 420 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 41
Paragraph 41
41. Regrets the fact that, in spite of the mandatory use of control post facilities for unloading, watering, feeding and resting of animals during long journeys, thvehicle drivers of the vehicles do not always stop or unload the animals in keeping with the requirements of the regulation, as has been reported on various occasions;
Amendment 427 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42 a (new)
Paragraph 42 a (new)
42a. Takes note of the paucity of updated scientific knowledge on fish species specific requirements regarding oxygen, pH, salinity and temperature, and their different abilities to cope with variances of these parameters during transport;
Amendment 427 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 42 a (new)
Paragraph 42 a (new)
42a. Takes note of the paucity of updated scientific knowledge on fish species specific requirements regarding oxygen, pH, salinity and temperature, and their different abilities to cope with variances of these parameters during transport;
Amendment 510 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50 a (new)
Paragraph 50 a (new)
50a. Recalls that, according to the European Implementation Assessment of the European Regulation 1/2005, ascertaining the state of pregnancy of live animals is still problematic7a; _________________ 7a https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/ etudes/STUD/2018/621853/EPRS_STU(2 018)621853_EN.pdf
Amendment 510 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 50 a (new)
Paragraph 50 a (new)
50a. Recalls that, according to the European Implementation Assessment of the European Regulation 1/2005, ascertaining the state of pregnancy of live animals is still problematic7a; _________________ 7a https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/ etudes/STUD/2018/621853/EPRS_STU(2 018)621853_EN.pdf
Amendment 532 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 52 a (new)
Paragraph 52 a (new)
52a. Notes with concern the absence of an authorised transporter for the sea leg of the journey, in some cases8a; _________________ 8a https://op.europa.eu/en/publication- detail/-/publication/fc8d71e4-93f5-11ea- aac4-01aa75ed71a1/language-en/format- PDF/source-130896440
Amendment 532 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 52 a (new)
Paragraph 52 a (new)
52a. Notes with concern the absence of an authorised transporter for the sea leg of the journey, in some cases8a; _________________ 8a https://op.europa.eu/en/publication- detail/-/publication/fc8d71e4-93f5-11ea- aac4-01aa75ed71a1/language-en/format- PDF/source-130896440
Amendment 535 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 53
Paragraph 53
53. Considers that the presence of a veterinarian for the leg of the journey at sea to provide real-time support for sick or injured animals on vessels, as well as to adjust the watering and feeding of the animals to their immediate needs constitutes good practice;
Amendment 535 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 53
Paragraph 53
53. Considers that the presence of a veterinarian for the leg of the journey at sea to provide real-time support for sick or injured animals on vessels, as well as to adjust the watering and feeding of the animals to their immediate needs constitutes good practice;
Amendment 548 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 53 a (new)
Paragraph 53 a (new)
53a. Notes the limited number of inspections after loading of a vessel, as recommended in the Network Document, but not specifically mentioned by the Regulation 1/2005;
Amendment 548 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 53 a (new)
Paragraph 53 a (new)
53a. Notes the limited number of inspections after loading of a vessel, as recommended in the Network Document, but not specifically mentioned by the Regulation 1/2005;
Amendment 573 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 55
Paragraph 55
55. Notes that, in the absence of a certification and audit instrument by an independent body2a, once livestock crosses the EU border, respect for animal welfare standards may be difficult to guarantee, both en route and on arrival, as third countries are not bound by EU legislation; recalls the judgement of the Court of Justice of the European Union, which states that EU welfare rules are binding until the final place of destination in third countries; _________________ 2a https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/ etudes/STUD/2021/690877/IPOL_STU(20 21)690877_EN.pdf
Amendment 573 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 55
Paragraph 55
55. Notes that, in the absence of a certification and audit instrument by an independent body2a, once livestock crosses the EU border, respect for animal welfare standards may be difficult to guarantee, both en route and on arrival, as third countries are not bound by EU legislation; recalls the judgement of the Court of Justice of the European Union, which states that EU welfare rules are binding until the final place of destination in third countries; _________________ 2a https://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/ etudes/STUD/2021/690877/IPOL_STU(20 21)690877_EN.pdf
Amendment 587 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 57
Paragraph 57
57. Stresses that inadequate journey planning in terms of administrative procedures, unrealistic journey times and lack of coordination with border posts, as well as an excessive bureaucratic burden, can create a cascade of delays at borders and ports, when a large number of trucks arrive at the port and all livestock needs to be loaded on board a single vessel;
Amendment 587 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 57
Paragraph 57
57. Stresses that inadequate journey planning in terms of administrative procedures, unrealistic journey times and lack of coordination with border posts, as well as an excessive bureaucratic burden, can create a cascade of delays at borders and ports, when a large number of trucks arrive at the port and all livestock needs to be loaded on board a single vessel;
Amendment 608 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 61
Paragraph 61
61. Points out the lack of an EU-level system to verify and ensure the existence of control posts in third countries and that these control posts comply with the rules, as well as the lack of an official EU updated list of resting posts outside the EU; takes note of the work done in the past by the independent certification and audit bodies in creating a list of such control posts outside the EU along the frequent road transport routes;
Amendment 608 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 61
Paragraph 61
61. Points out the lack of an EU-level system to verify and ensure the existence of control posts in third countries and that these control posts comply with the rules, as well as the lack of an official EU updated list of resting posts outside the EU; takes note of the work done in the past by the independent certification and audit bodies in creating a list of such control posts outside the EU along the frequent road transport routes;
Amendment 610 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 61 a (new)
Paragraph 61 a (new)
61a. Recalls the external independent audits taking place outside the EU until 2013 and their positive impact on animal welfare, as the only effective tool in monitoring, checking and enforcing the provisions of the EU Regulation 1/2005 during the stages of the journey taking place outside the EU and in complying with the judgement of the European Court of Justice of 23 April 2015;
Amendment 610 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 61 a (new)
Paragraph 61 a (new)
61a. Recalls the external independent audits taking place outside the EU until 2013 and their positive impact on animal welfare, as the only effective tool in monitoring, checking and enforcing the provisions of the EU Regulation 1/2005 during the stages of the journey taking place outside the EU and in complying with the judgement of the European Court of Justice of 23 April 2015;
Amendment 617 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 63 a (new)
Paragraph 63 a (new)
63a. Takes note of the best available legislative environments, such as the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS)3a, through which the Australian Government legally monitors, audits and holds accountable all actors involved in the supply chain, ensuring the traceability throughout the transport of live animals and their welfare at all stages of the journey, from loading, until slaughtering in a third country; _________________ 3a https://www.agriculture.gov.au/export/con trolled-goods/live- animals/livestock/information-exporters- industry/escas
Amendment 617 #
Motion for a resolution
Paragraph 63 a (new)
Paragraph 63 a (new)
63a. Takes note of the best available legislative environments, such as the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS)3a, through which the Australian Government legally monitors, audits and holds accountable all actors involved in the supply chain, ensuring the traceability throughout the transport of live animals and their welfare at all stages of the journey, from loading, until slaughtering in a third country; _________________ 3a https://www.agriculture.gov.au/export/con trolled-goods/live- animals/livestock/information-exporters- industry/escas