Decision 2004/544 - 2004/544/EC: Council Decision of 21 June 2004 on the signing of the European Convention for the protection of animals during international transport - Main contents

official title

 

Legal instrument	Decision
Number legal act	Decision 2004/544
Original proposal	COM(2003)631
CELEX number i	32004D0544

COUNCIL DECISION

of 21 June 2004

on the signing of the European Convention for the protection of animals during international transport

(2004/544/EC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Community, and in particular Article 37, in conjunction with the first sentence of the first subparagraph of Article 300(2) thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,

Whereas:

HAS DECIDED AS FOLLOWS:

Sole Article

Subject to possible conclusion at a later date, the President of the Council is hereby authorised to designate the person(s) empowered to sign, on behalf of the European Community (1), the European Convention for the protection of animals during international transport, attached to this Decision.

Done at Luxembourg, 21 June 2004.

For the Council

The President

• J. 

  WALSH

• (1) 

  Only the authentic versions of the Convention, i.e. English and French, are reproduced.

EUROPEAN CONVENTION

for the Protection of Animals during International Transport (revised)

The Member States of the Council of Europe, signatory hereto,

Considering that the aim of the Council of Europe is to achieve a greater unity between its members for the purpose of safeguarding and realising the ideals and principles which are their common heritage,

Aware that every person has a moral obligation to respect all animals and to have due consideration for their capacity for suffering,

Motivated by the desire to safeguard the welfare of animals during transport,

Convinced that international transport is compatible with the welfare of the animals, provided that the requirements of animal welfare are met,

Considering, therefore, that where the welfare requirements of the animals cannot be met an alternative to the transport of live animals shall be implemented,

Considering, however, that in general, for reasons of animal welfare the period during which animals, including animals for slaughter, are transported should be reduced as far as possible,

Considering that loading and unloading are activities during which injuries and stress are most likely to occur,

Considering that progress in this respect may be achieved through the adoption of common provisions regarding the international transport of animals,

Have agreed as follows:

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

Article 1

Definitions

• 1. 

  ‘International transport’, means any movement from one country to another, but excludes, however, journeys of less than 50 km and movements between Member States of the European Community.

• 2. 

  An ‘authorised veterinarian’, means a veterinarian nominated by the competent authority.

• 3. 

  ‘Person responsible for the transport of the animals’, means the person with overall control over the organisation, carrying out and completion of the whole journey, regardless of whether duties are subcontracted to other parties during transport. Such a person is usually the person who plans, makes arrangements for and defines the conditions to be met by other parties.

• 4. 

  ‘Person in charge of the welfare of the animals’, means the person who has direct physical responsibility for the care of the animals during transport. Such a person may be the attendant or the driver of a vehicle if fulfilling the same role.

• 5. 

  ‘Container’, means any crate, box, receptacle or other rigid container used for the transport of animals which is not...

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