Today the Dutch parliament held a hearing to discuss the new animal transport legislation that the EU is proposing and what standpoint the Netherlands should have on its final draft. Eyes on Animals, along with colleagues from the Dierenbescherming and Ethical Farming Ireland were asked to give a short talk at this hearing and to answer any questions from the parliamentary members.
We focused on crucial points, such as banning the long-distance transport of mammals dependent on milk (such as unweaned calves), not putting time-pressure on chicken catching and banning catching and holding poultry inverted, having much clearer definitions and less ambiguity in the legislative text. We also insisted that there no longer be any exceptions to the rules as these exceptions often become the norm, such as permitting longer journeys if there is no abattoir in the 9-hour radius or if the truck is equipped with a system to provide milk. We also stressed the importance that the popular closed trucks used in the Netherlands have proper access doors in order to inspect and assist all animals when necessary.
Here you can watch the EonA speech.
Here you can watch the entire block, with all 3 speeches and Q&A.