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'Help the Horses' Update
February 2001
During the year 2000, Lithuania exported just under 11,000 horses for slaughter - a 25% increase on the previous year, which equates to 500 lorries (400 lorries in 1999).
The best current estimates reveal that a Lithuanian horse population of 80,000 will probably produce around 15-20,000 offspring each year. We understand that this is a stable figure and therefore the increase in exports last year ought to be explained by way of economic hardship/farm reforms rather than greater prices being paid for the horses. During the past year we have heard a number of suggestions that horses are perhaps being imported into Lithuania from Belarus/Ukraine for export. We have investigated this issue on two occasions, the most recent being January 2001. On both occasions we found that no significant horse trade was being conducted. (Most of the border with Belarus is unmanned and odd horses are openly walked across the border for trade - this number is very low and would not be of interest to the horse export trade).
Above: From its home in Lithuania to the slaughterhouses of Italy. |
By way of background, Naturewatch has for the past two years investigated alternatives to live horse export. Although local slaughter is possible (for old and ill horses only) the financial return for the farmer would be extremely small. It could not possibly be compared to the average of US $300 per animal currently paid by the exporters. The same financial situation would apply if the horses were used in the manufacture of pet food - but the pet food market says it is not interested in using horsemeat. The third option of local slaughter, where the meat is chilled, frozen and then exported to Italy, presents enormous financial risks. These risks predominately revolve around the selling of a product to the specialised market of Italy and with no local selling opportunities as neither Lithuania nor its neighbours eat horsemeat. And, even then, this is assuming one could persuade the Italians to accept chilled/frozen meat instead of fresh meat. When approached, the Italians vehemently oppose the idea of chilled/frozen meat, insisting that consumers demand fresh meat. It also provides employment for its meat industry - employment that is based on the cruelty of long distance transportation. |
Good News 1: Lithuania introduces animal welfare checklist for Border Inspection Officials
An animal welfare checklist is being put into place this February to assist border vets. All transporters leaving Lithuania will be thoroughly examined to ensure that they comply with EU regulations on transporting live animals. These include important areas for the welfare of the horses, such as:
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ventilation
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loading density
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bedding
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feed/water
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health certificates
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quality of fittings in vehicle.
Good News 2: Lithuania introduces mandatory training for all horse export drivers
As from 1st April 2001, all operatives exporting live horses will have to attend a mandatory instructional course. The programme will cover the expected duties of all transport drivers and attendants. The welfare needs of the animals and action to be taken in cases of emergency treatment are covered. Every transporter is expected to take the fullest care of all the horses. Violations will be subject to severe penalties. A certificate will be issued to each operator and any driver or attendant who is unable to present his certificate at the exit border will be refused permission to leave Lithuania. The entire load will then be sent back to its original point of departure in Lithuania.
Right: Four days and 1,500 miles to reach Italy.
Good News 3: Lithuania tells horse exporters- adhere to the rules or you will be refused export
All horse transporters, whether Polish, Italian or Lithuanian, will be subject to stringent checks at Lithuanian exit borders. As of 1st January 2001, all exporters must fully comply with the EU Directive on the transportation of horses. Route plans, clearly showing when and where rest stops will take place, must be adhered to - non-compliance of the Order, including the smallest violations, will result in immediate curtailment of the journey and the shipment returned to point of departure.
BUT ITALY STILL WANT THE LIVE HORSES FOR MEAT!
Italy is shamed by the compassionate actions of Non-EU member countries. Lithuania, Slovenia and Czech Republic have responded positively to the horrors of live horse exports. They all have introduced strict animal transporter rules. They will not allow passage of any exporter through their territory that is not in full compliance with European Union rules on the welfare of animals during transport.
THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THE CRUELTY - END LIVE EXPORT!
The transportation of live animals is inherently cruel. Despite the introduction of legislation that affords some protection for the animals, the stress and unnatural surroundings cause unacceptable suffering. And, the rogue driver seems never to be too far away. From falsifying documents to outright bribery, some will do anything to complete their journey in the fastest time possible. It’s a lot more profitable to complete 5 journeys loaded with animals each month than 4 journeys. The only way this is possible is by refusing to stop to rest and feed the animals. (The rules state that there must be a 24-hour break after 24 hours journey time). But when you are in a different country it is very temping (and very possible) to get away with breaking the rules.
Our Current Work
Naturewatch, in partnership with other European animal welfarists, is currently investigating specific locations where we understand abuses are taking place. Naturally details are confidential until we obtain affidavits and hard evidence. The findings will be used not only to demand prosecution of the driver and transport owners but also to highlight to governments that the only real way of stopping transport cruelty is actually by banning the live export of animals.
Above: Destined for the horsemeat Industry of Italy - 1,500 miles from home.
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