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		Animal Welfare: Your input could make a difference Boston Standard - December 9 2002 As MEP for the East Midlands I have received many letters from constituents on the issue of animal welfare and I have been working closely with animal welfare groups such as the International League for the Protection of Horses and Naturewatch, especially on the issue of transportation of live animals for slaughter. Animals are transported in vehicles that do not conform to specific standard; they travel in extremes of climate; they travel for excessive periods; mixed gender groups can lead to injury and operatives are not trained in animal handling and the animals' lack of adequate feeding, resting and watering is of major concern. We have heard harrowing accounts of horses who die during transport because they are kept in extremely confined spaces without water or feed and we have been sent sickening pictures of animals being mistreated at livestock markets. We want this to stop and we want your help to make that happen. The EU has adopted much legislation on the protection of animals during transport, but following a European Commission report, we found that this legislation was being ignored by some Member States and not being adequately enforced by the EU. Therefore, the EU are looking to develop their rules on animal protection and you can help! The European Commission wants to know what you think. They have opened an Internet site for you to feedback your views about all aspects of animal transport. Which aspects of animal transport do you think that Europe should better regulate - space allowances standards of the means of transport, handling of the animals etc? How do you think we should monitor animal transport? This is your opportunity to have your say and participate in European decision-making. Your input could make a difference. The website is on-line until December 15th, so please submit your views as soon as possible. The address is: http://europa.eu.int/BFM/consultation