Archive - Tuesday, 1 October 2002


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Beckett proposes eight-hour rule

A MAXIMUM eight hours for live animal journeys to slaughter has been proposed by DEFRA secretary of state Margaret Beckett.

She outlined her views to the EU Agriculture Council. An eight-hour rule would need to be subject to strictly-controlled

concessions for longer journeys within member states, such as to and from producer and processor businesses in remoter parts of the UK such as Scottish Highlands and Islands.

Currently, animals may legally be transported for up to 24 or 28 hours, depending on the species, before being rested for 24 hours, after which the journey may be continued.

EU Commissioner David Byrne said that member states' considerably differing views on introducing an eight-hour limit

meant further consultation on this matter would be necessary.

Updated: 10:01 Wednesday, September 25, 2002