MEP celebrates end to cruel export subsidies
Yorkshire and Humber Labour MEP Richard Corbett is delighted that 2006 starts with the European Union agreeing immediately to eliminate subsidies for all EU exports of live cattle for slaughter.
The decision removes incentives for farmers to send their cattle to the Middle East, a trade repeatedly exposed for its immense cruelty. Animal welfare considerations played a major role in the decision to recommend an end to these subsidies.
Richard, a member of the all-party Animal Welfare Intergroup in the European Parliament, said:
"The ending of these subsidies for suffering is a real victory for animal welfare - a great way to start the new year! It's a move that should reduce the number of animals being exported.
"The EU Commissioner and EU Member States have also done taxpayers a service by voting to stop using their money to support this cruel trade.
"Live exports are inherently cruel and all too often expose animals to long and stressful journeys and to appalling slaughter methods."
The Animal Welfare Intergroup has called for an end to the worldwide trade in live farm animals for slaughter and is seeking the replacement of the live trade with a trade in meat.
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Press enquiries: Contact Luke Thorne, Press and Communications Officer to Richard Corbett MEP
- phone 0113 245 8987
- e-mail luke@richardcorbett.org.uk
© 2003-2006 Richard Corbett MEP