MOVES by the European Commission to tighten up controls on the transport of animals have been backed by Wyre Forest Euro MP Philip Bushill-Matthews.
The MP said he was backing calls for a maximum limit of eight hours, or 500km, on the transport of livestock to slaughter or further fattening.
Proposals also include a demand that each EU member state give the same priority to animal welfare issues and ensure the enforcement of existing laws.
He said he was also calling on the commission to draw up a plan by 2003 to encourage more local slaughtering so journey times could be reduced.
He added the UK had allowed too many small abattoirs to close because of "over zealous" application of EU rules.
He said: "A change in policy would not just be good for animal welfare; it would help the welfare of farmers and rural communities too."
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