Mary Upton (Dublin South Central, Labour)
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Question 458: To ask the Minister for Agriculture and Food her views on the EU Transport Regulations, which were due to come into force on the 5 January, 2007; if these regulations entered into force here; the specific requirements contained within them which relate to the transport of greyhounds; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6029/07]

Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)
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Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport and related operations came into operation on 5 January 2007. It sets down the conditions for the transport of all vertebrate animals, including greyhounds, throughout the European Community. The Regulation has been given legal effect by the European Communities (Animal Transport and Control Post) Regulations 2006 (S.I. No. 675 of 2006). Provisions in the legislation include, inter alia, requirements that transporters must ensure that the animals are fit for transport and are accommodated to avoid risk of injury or unnecessary suffering. Animals must be provided with adequate ventilation and space to stand in their natural position, unhindered and to lie down. Food and water must be available to the animals so that they can be fed at intervals not exceeding 24 hours and watered at intervals not exceeding 12 hours (8 hours in the case of dogs). Any person transporting animals, including dogs on distances in excess of 65 km in connection with an economic activity must be authorised by my Department. In addition vehicles used to transport animals on long journeys (over 8 hours) must be inspected and approved.

The legislation also requires that transport of animals by air must be undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the latest edition of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) live animals Regulations. These Regulations relate to international standards for containers, pens or stalls appropriate for the transport of live animals by air. The IATA is a self-regulating body that represents airlines in promoting safe, reliable and secure air services. Provisions regarding the training and certification of personnel involved in the handling of animals during transport will come into effect in January 2008. I believe this Regulation will further improve the conditions under which animals are transported throughout the European Union.