The European Parliament in Strasbourg have today, Tuesday 30 March, voted on the draft Regulation on the Protection of Animals during Transport and agreed amendments put forward by UK MEPs in consultation with the ILPH.

Their recommendations, if adopted by the Council of Agricultural Ministers and the European Commission, would allow the UK to prevent the export of horses for slaughter. They would also ensure that horses imported into the EU for slaughter are given a period of substantial rest at, or near the border, and before they can resume their journey.

John Smales ILPH Chief Executive says, "This is fantastic news - This offers UK Ministers an ideal opportunity to support the European Parliament and to align themselves with ILPH supporters and members of the public who are adament that our horses should not be exported for slaughter. I am also delighted that Commissioner Byrne has no objection, in principle, to such an opt-out."

Neil Parrish MEP for the South West comments, "I am delighted that the European Parliament has asked today for an amendment which will give the British Government a window of opportunity to stop the live export of horses, ponies and donkeys. We have a positive response from the European Commission, what we need now is a positive response from the British Government."

The ILPH, while in Strasbourg today, handed over their petitions against the resumption of live exports from the UK, with 83,410 signatures, to the President of the European Parliament, Pat Cox MEP.

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