NINA Carberry MEP is lobbying her colleagues in the European parliament to amend proposed transport legislation which, she says, could severely impact the equine industry.

The draft proposal shows that the Commission will seek to reduce maximum journey times for live animals and increase space allowances.

“The proposed animal transport law takes a one-size-fits-all approach and ignores the unique needs of equine transport,” said Carberry, Ireland’s only full member of the European Parliament’s Transport Committee.

The representative for the Midlands Northwest has raised her concerns ahead of a committee hearing with the European Court of Auditors in Brussels next week.

Carberry commented: “The European Commission has proposed new journey time limits along with changes to space allowances in horse boxes, which could severely impact the equine industry.

“We are obliged to transport our animals to the very highest global standards, and I absolutely support better enforcement of the rules.

“However, it is critical that horses being transported for breeding or sport are treated differently to the transport of other livestock, with rules tailored to their specific needs. That’s what I am working to amend.”

Carberry recently hosted equine stakeholders in the European Parliament and met with Agriculture Commissioner Christophe Hansen and Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas to push for a more balanced regulation.

“Before negotiations begin in April, I plan to propose amendments in the European Parliament to ensure fair and workable legislation.

“It is vital that we strike the right balance between addressing critically important animal welfare concerns and supporting the economic, sporting, and cultural significance of equine transport.”

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