EXPORT OF LIVE HORSES FROM EASTERN EUROPE TO THE EUROPEAN UNION

Early day motion 806, tabled 17 February 1998 by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 50 members.

That this House condemns the export of live horses from eastern Europe to the European Union where at journey's end they are slaughtered for meat; believes that this trade causes widespread animal suffering; is concerned that by the time they reach the European Union many of the horses are exhausted, while others are injured and some are dead, having succumbed to the stresses of the long journeys; notes that in 1997 the 15 EU member states adopted a new Protocol on Improved Protection and Respect for the Welfare of Animals which recognises animals as sentient beings; believes that the European Union should now act upon this Protocol and bring these live horse imports to an end; and calls upon Her Majesty's Government as the Presidency government of the European Union to take the lead in persuading our EU partners to bring this cruel trade in horses to an end.

Signatures by party: Labour 38, Liberal Democrat 10, Labour/Co-operative 1, UUP 1.