Our progress so far
On 25 February 2011, one year on from the adoption of the Written Declaration, we called for people across Europe to help us put pressure on the European Commission once more by contacting their MEPs.
Since then, more than 200 supporters have used our MEP microsite to send over 1500 emails to MEPs in the UK, and many more have sent letters and emails directly from their own accounts. As a result of this, eight MEPs have now written and tabled parliamentary questions, asking the Commission to take action. Thank you for your help!
Here are just a few of the responses we've received from MEPs:
"As my record shows, you can count fully on my support for all animal welare issues and this is no exception."
Brian Simpson
MEP for North West England
A summary of a direct response to a campaigner
Thank you for your email regarding the transportation of live horses across Europe for slaughter.
I agree that horses are not well suited to long distance travel. They should be slaughtered before transport which means their meat can be transported as chilled meat. I believe that further reform of animal transportation is still needed as the long distance journey and often crowded transportation inflicts unnecessary pain and suffering. The Conservatives in the European Parliament have long been campaigning on the issue of live horse transportation and will continue to press the European Commission to call for a complete ban.
I would like to thank you for taking the time to write to me on such an important matter.
Yours sincerely
Dr Kay Swinburne
MEP for Wales
Direct contact with the Commissioner following the email we sent to all MEPs
Dear Commissioner Dalli,
Re. Written Declaration 54/2009
A year ago, Written Declaration 54/2009 on the long-distance transportation of horses to slaughter in Europe was officially adopted. I was a signatory of this declaration.
Since then, I understand that the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has recommended a journey limit of 12 hours for horses travelling to slaughter. Additionally, evidence collected by World Horse Welfare shows that this limit should also be applied to horses transported for further fattening and other non-registered horses (i.e. low-value horses).
I am urging you to introduce short, finite journey limits for low-value horses and horses destined for slaughter as soon as possible. Your intention to release a report in September this year on the operation of the Regulation is welcome, but is not enough. Change to the regulation is required now, to stop the suffering of the horses involved as soon as possible.
Yours sincerely,
Jill Evans MEP
(MEP for Wales)
Scroll to the bottom of this page to download a press release issued by Liz Lynne MEP after our own release was distributed to the media. Liz was one of the three MEPs that originally tabled the Written Declaration for us back in 2009.
Comments we've received from members of the public:
"Well done on all your brilliant work. I follow you on Facebook and just emailed my MEP here in Dublin regarding the transport Regulation. Fingers crossed many more will do the same and that we can make a difference!" S Cleary, Dublin
"You organised that very well. It was very easy to do, and I e-mailed my London MEPs and [Commissioner] Dalli." P Collins, London
"I got a letter back from an MEP which sounded very supportive! The more people that do this the better the chances of change, so get writing if you love horses, it doesn't take long to do!!" A Hale, Warwickshire
We'll be updating this page as more comments and responses come in. We're really pleased with the response we've had so far but, if you haven't had a chance to take action, there's still time! A few minutes is all it takes to make contact with MEPs in your area, and it really can make a difference. So don't hesitate, take action today and help us make decision makers in Europe sit up and listen!
Find out how to contact your MEP and take action now
