Animal Welfare in Transport: Navigation systems up for discussion

Under the new Regulation 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport, which will enter into force in January 2007, newly built vehicles transporting animals for 8 hours or more will be required to have satellite navigation systems installed. This will be mandatory for all vehicles used for transporting animals on long journeys from January 2009.

The satellite navigation systems will allow Member States to improve their animal inspections and ensure that the new animal transport legislation is being fully and properly applied. Before the new Regulation enters into force, the Commission will propose specific requirements for this navigation system.

The aim of the conference in Varese is to receive broad input into the technical aspects of such systems and how they can be further developed. A wide range of stakeholders, including European livestock traders and transporters, animal welfare organisations and navigation system developers will participate in these discussions.

The Commission then will use the input from the conference, as well as feedback from a previous questionnaire which was circulated to stakeholders on this issue, to draw up a proposal on the technical requirements for satellite navigation systems.