2004/544/EG: Beschluss des Rates vom 21. Juni 2004 über die Unterzeichnung des Europäischen Übereinkommens über den Schutz von Tieren beim internationalen Transport (revidiert)

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Eurogroup for Animal Welfare and the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE), participated in the revision of the Convention. 5. The revised Convention builds on the lessons learnt from the last 30 years of experience and scientific results made available during this period. It contains provisions designed to overcome defects and to facilitate the implementation of the principles of the Convention. The revised Convention was built as a framework convention laying down essential principles applying to all species. It provides for technical protocols which can be amended following a simplified procedure, facilitating thereby their updating in the light of scientific evidence and experience acquired. The revised Convention provides for the denunciation of the original Convention. The Parties are thus not simultaneously bound by contradictory undertakings. 6. After examination and approval by the Parties to the original Convention on 18 to 20 June 2002, the draft revised Convention was submitted to the Committee of Ministers, which in turn adopted it at its 843rd meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies, on 11 June 2003. 7. The revised Convention will be opened for signature by the Member States and the European Community in Chişinau, in November 2003. General considerations 1. A large proportion of the animals carried in international transport are destined for slaughter in the receiving country. For these animals, the Parties to Convention ETS 65 at a multilateral consultation (hereafter, the Parties) recognised that for animal welfare reasons, the ideal would be to restrict this traffic to carcase meat thus ensuring that the animals were slaughtered in the country of origin. 2. For practical reasons, the Parties have endeavoured to detail the welfare requirements of the principal species only. However, they considered that humane treatment should extend to all species of animals. 3. The Parties have not established detailed rules and procedures for all the species covered by the Convention, because of their widely differing welfare requirements. 4. The Parties have established more detailed rules by type of transport rather than by species because the conditions which could affect the welfare of the animals transported are more dependent on the type of transport used. 5. The Parties have considered only those questions relating directly to the welfare requirements of animals in international transport. They recognised that these provisions are also, in general, relevant for transport within the territory of a contracting Party. 6. The Parties regarded consideration of civil responsibilities for fulfilling the provisions of the Convention as falling outside their mandate. 7. The Parties emphasise that the provisions of the revised Convention shall not interfere with the sanitary and veterinary regulations of the Parties. BRIEF COMMENTS ON CERTAIN PROVISIONS IN THE REVISED CONVENTION Title Because the word „protection“ appears in the title, it is not thought to be necessary to emphasise that the animals concerned are live animals. The term „international transport“ is preferred to the word ‘transit’ which, in several languages, includes only transports passing through one or more intermediate countries and might therefore give rise to difficulties in translation. Article 1 Definitions Paragraph 1 It is understood that the Convention applies to transport between a Member State of the European Community and a non-Member State of the European Community as well as to a transport between two Member States of the European Community, which will transit by a non-Member State of the European Community. Paragraphs 3 and 4 These definitions in no way prejudge civil or criminal law provisions in force at national level. Paragraph 6 It is understood that transport can be either for commercial or non-commercial purposes. Article 2 Species It is understood that international transport of circus animals falls under the scope of the revised Convention. Paragraph 1 This Convention applies to all vertebrate animals. However, some provisions may be inapplicable to certain species because of the biological characteristics of that species. Examples are the provisions on females in lactation in Article 21 of the Convention, which are not applicable to poultry, and the provisions on floors and bedding in Article 16 of the Convention, which are not applicable to fish. Paragraph 2(b) For the purpose of this Convention, „pet animal“ means any animal kept or intended to be kept by man, in particular at home, for his enjoyment and as a companion. For the purpose of this Convention, horses are not considered as pet animals. For the purpose of this Convention, by „accompanying“ is meant accessible to and under the control of its owner. This paragraph mainly concerns dogs and cats. However, the Parties wish to draw attention to the transport of animals described as pets when in fact they were being transported for commercial purposes. Article 3 Application of the Convention Paragraph 2 The objective of this provision is to ensure an appropriate system of training, each Party being free to choose the method of its establishment. It was agreed that although intended for the attendant initially, it should concern all persons involved in the transport of animals. It is understood that training is an ongoing process and applies therefore to both new and experienced personnel. Paragraph 3 While considering that the revised Convention only applies to international transport of animals, the Parties, considering that its provisions aim at protecting the welfare of the animals, recognised their relevance for transport within the territory of a contracting Party. Article 4 Main principles of the Convention Paragraph 3 Control points may be a border, or any other locations where any checks are carried out. This will include for example, spot checks carried out on, animals or vehicle during transport. Paragraph 5 Strikes and similar circumstances can severely affect the welfare of animals in transport and the Parties therefore felt it necessary to refer in the revised Convention to the need to protect animals as far as possible in such circumstances; but they did not consider it appropriate to indicate how this should be done other than to specify that such action should be in accordance with the principles of the revised Convention. Article 5 Authorisation of transporters Paragraph 1 For the purpose of this Convention, transport for commercial purposes is not limited to transport where an immediate exchange of money, goods or services take place in connection with the actual transport. For instance, it also includes transport which directly or indirectly involve or aim at a financial gain. A farmer transporting his own animals to a slaughterhouse in his own vehicle is thus considered transporting animals for commercial purposes. Furthermore, a transport of sport or breeding horses to a competition, show or exhibition which does not necessarily involve prize money but which may increase the value of the horses, is also considered to be a transport for commercial purposes. Article 6 Design and construction Paragraph 2 It is understood that for the purpose of this Convention, „poultry“ does not include ratites. For poultry, standing upright is not recommended as they risk falling on top of one another during transport, resulting in other welfare problems. Article 7 Planning Paragraph 7 This task of the person responsible for the transport of animals is particularly important when the animals change from one means of transport to another during the journey. It is also important when the animals are unloaded and later on reloaded during the same journey, for instance at resting points, and whenever the responsibility of their welfare changes from one person to another. Article 8 Attendants Paragraphs 1 and 2 If the driver is also the attendant, he/she must have undergone specific and appropriate training or have had equivalent practical experience. The word „specific“ indicates that the training must be adapted to the species being transported and the means of transport. The Parties expressed the wish that, in the near future, all those persons referred to in this Article would have had a training period and that, in this way, reference to experience only will no longer be possible. Paragraph 3 Even in the absence of an attendant, in accordance with Article 7(7), a person shall always be designated who would be responsible for the welfare of the animals at any time during the journey. Article 9 Fitness for transport Paragraph 2(b) The term „for experimental or scientific purposes“ is to be defined in accordance with the European Convention for the protection of vertebrate animals used for experimental and other scientific purposes (ETS 123). Paragraph 2(c) Emergency treatment means veterinary treatment necessarily carried out in a clinic or a hospital. Article 10 Inspection/Certificate Paragraph 2 It is understood that the sanitary certificate usually delivered by the authorised veterinarian will be sufficient warrant provided that all items for which provision is made in this paragraph are included. It is preferable to use a single document. Paragraph 3 The first two paragraphs of this Article specify the provisions which should normally apply. The Parties recognised, however, that there would be certain circumstances in which these provisions might be waived in accordance with specific agreements reached between Parties. The intention is that such waiver would only be exercised where the welfare of the animals is not prejudiced. This waiver may be exercised, for example, in the case of horses for sporting purposes. Article 13 Equipment and procedures Paragraph 1 „Loading“ does not mean only at the time of departure, but also any loading during transport. „Unloading“ does not mean only at the time of arrival at destination, but also any unloading during transport. The term „properly constructed ramp“ includes the width which needs to be appropriate to the species loaded or unloaded. Paragraph 2 When drafting the Convention, Parties considered that foot battens presented the greatest advantages from an animal welfare point of view. However, they wished to leave the way open for the development of other equivalent systems. Article 14 Handling Paragraph 3 This provision does not prohibit the leading of an animal, without excessive force, with a rope or head collar. Article 15 Separation Paragraph 1 The provision concerning hostile species takes into account the need to ensure that such animals should not be able to see, hear, or smell each other. Article 17 Space allowances (floor area and height) Paragraph 1 (See also comment on Article 6 paragraph 2) It is the intention to set minimum space allowances for certain species in a technical protocol to be adopted in accordance with Article 34 of the Convention. Article 18 Tying of animals As a general principle, the condition of transport should be such that tying of animals is not necessary. However, it is accepted that tying the animals may be necessary in certain circumstances. Article 20 Watering, feeding and rest The Parties recognised that animals need to be watered and fed according to their species and age. Furthermore, the youngest animals are those which need to be fed and specially watered more frequently. It is the intention to set a limit for maximum intervals for certain species in a technical protocol to be adopted in accordance with Article 34 of the Convention. Article 21 Females in lactation This provision recognises the important practical problem difficulties associated with milking lactating females during transport. Article 24 Care during transport The Parties recognised that even if the transport unit has a seal applied for health or customs purposes, the animals must be inspected, watered and fed. Article 25 Emergency/casualty care during transport „First-aid care“ means appropriate care competently administered. The provision providing that animals „be killed in a way which does not cause them any additional suffering“, means that if the person present in charge of the welfare of the animals is not competent to kill an animal of the relevant species, then he or she must find a competent person to do this as soon as possible if it becomes necessary to kill an animal during transport. Article 27 Special provisions for the transport by road Paragraph 4 This check of the animals can be made at each rest or replacement of the driver. Article 28 Special provisions for transport by water Paragraph 1 It is the responsibility of the Parties to ensure that the inspection takes place, regardless of the vessel’s country of registration. Paragraph 14 The Parties considered that the requirements of this Article should apply in all cases, but that they could often be met by providing a single spare pen. Article 29 Special provisions for transport by rail or road vehicles on roll-on/roll-off vessels Paragraph 6 Feed might be carried on board the vessel or in the road or rail vehicle, as agreed between the shipping company and the road or rail transporter. Paragraphs 6 and 7 The person responsible for the transport must ensure that the arrangements referred to in those paragraphs are made. Article 30 Special provisions for transport by air Paragraph 1 The Parties have recognised that it was not necessary that each aircraft must be permanently equipped with sophisticated measuring equipment for air flow and quality, temperature and pressure, according to the needs of the species concerned. Paragraph 2 The term „commander“ means the person designated to have full responsibility and authority to secure the safety of the aircraft and all persons, goods and live animals. Article 36 Settlement of disputes Paragraph 1 The selection or appointment of competent authorities is entirely a matter for each Party. Articles 37 to 41 These provisions are in line with the corresponding standard provisions included in other European conventions. In general, the final provisions in this Convention follow the usual pattern of final clauses adopted by the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe for conventions and agreements drawn up within the Organisation. CONVENTION EUROPÉENNE sur la protection des animaux en transport international (révisée) Les États membres du Conseil de l'Europe, signataires de la présente convention, Considérant que le but du Conseil de l'Europe est de réaliser une union plus étroite entre ses membres afin de sauvegarder et de promouvoir les idéaux et les principes qui sont leur patrimoine commun; Conscients que toute personne a l'obligation morale de respecter tous les animaux et de prendre dûment en considération leur aptitude à souffrir; Motivés par le désir de sauvegarder le bien-être des animaux pendant le transport; Convaincus que le transport international est compatible avec le bien-être des animaux dans la mesure où les exigences de bien-être de ces derniers sont satisfaites; Considérant par conséquent que, lorsque les exigences de bien-être des animaux ne peuvent être satisfaites, une alternative au transport d'animaux vivants doit être mise en œuvre; Considérant cependant que, d'une façon générale, pour des raisons de bien-être des animaux, la durée pendant laquelle les animaux, y compris les animaux d'abattage, sont transportés devrait être réduite autant que possible; Considérant que les opérations de chargement et de déchargement sont celles qui risquent le plus de causer des blessures ou du stress; Considérant qu'un progrès en cette matière peut être atteint par l'adoption de dispositions communes en matière de transports internationaux des animaux, Sont convenus de ce qui suit: PRINCIPES GÉNÉRAUX Article 1 Définitions 1. On entend par „transport international“ tout mouvement qui suppose le passage d'un pays à un autre, à l'exclusion toutefois des transports de moins de 50 kilomètres ainsi que des mouvements entre les États membres de la Communauté européenne. 2. On entend par „vétérinaire autorisé“ un vétérinaire désigné par l'autorité compétente. 3. On entend par „personne responsable du transport des animaux“ la personne qui a la maîtrise de l'organisation et de la réalisation de l'ensemble du transport, que les tâches soient ou non sous-traitées par d'autres parties pendant le transport. Cette personne est habituellement celle qui planifie, prévoit les arrangements pour les autres parties et définit les conditions devant être remplies par ces dernières. 4. On entend par „personne chargée du bien-être des animaux“ la personne ayant la responsabilité physique directe de prendre soin des animaux pendant le transport. Cette personne peut être le convoyeur ou le conducteur d'un véhicule s'il assure les mêmes fonctions. 5. On entend par „conteneur“ toute caisse, boîte, tout réceptacle ou toute autre forme rigide de conteneur utilisé pour le transport d'animaux qui ne peut lui-même se déplacer et ne forme pas une partie (qu'elle soit ou non détachable) d'un moyen de transport. 6. On entend par „transporteur“ toute personne physique ou morale transportant des animaux soit pour son propre compte, soit pour le compte d'un tiers. Article 2 Espèces 1. La présente convention s'applique aux transports internationaux de tous les animaux vertébrés. 2. À l'exception de l'article 4, paragraphe 1, et de l'article 9, paragraphes 1 et 2, points a) et c), les dispositions de la présente convention ne s'appliquent pas: a) quand un seul animal est accompagné par la personne qui en a la responsabilité durant le transport; b) au transport d'animaux de compagnie qui accompagnent leur maître au cours de voyages à des fins non lucratives. Article 3 Application de la convention 1. Chaque partie met en application les dispositions relatives aux transports internationaux des animaux contenues dans la présente convention et est responsable d'un contrôle et d'une surveillance efficaces. 2. Chaque partie prend les mesures nécessaires pour assurer un système de formation efficace tenant compte des dispositions de la présente convention. 3. Chaque partie s'efforce d'appliquer les dispositions pertinentes de cette convention au transport des animaux sur son territoire. 4. Les parties s'accordent mutuellement assistance dans l'application des dispositions de la convention, en particulier par un échange d'informations, la discussion des questions d'interprétation et la notification des problèmes. Article 4 Principes fondamentaux de la convention 1. Les animaux doivent être transportés de façon à préserver leur bien-être et leur santé. 2. Dans la mesure du possible, les animaux doivent être transportés sans retard jusqu'à leur lieu de destination. 3. Aux points de contrôle, la priorité doit être accordée aux chargements d'animaux. 4. Les animaux ne doivent être retenus que lorsque cela est strictement nécessaire pour leur bien-être ou pour des contrôles sanitaires. Si les animaux sont retenus, des dispositions appropriées doivent être prises afin que l'on puisse en prendre soin, et, si nécessaire, les décharger et les héberger. 5. Chaque partie prendra les mesures nécessaires afin que toute souffrance puisse être épargnée aux animaux ou qu'elle puisse être réduite au minimum, en cas de grève ou de tout cas de force majeure empêchant la stricte application des dispositions de la présente convention sur son territoire. Elle s'inspirera à cet effet des principes énoncés dans cette convention. 6. Aucune disposition de cette convention ne porte atteinte à la mise en œuvre d'autres instruments relatifs au contrôle vétérinaire et sanitaire. 7. Aucune disposition de cette convention ne porte atteinte à la faculté des parties d'adopter des règles plus strictes pour assurer la protection des animaux en transport international. Article 5 Autorisation des transporteurs 1. Chaque partie s'assure que les transporteurs transportant des animaux à des fins commerciales: a) sont enregistrés de façon à permettre à l'autorité compétente de les identifier rapidement en cas de non-respect des exigences de la présente convention; b) font l'objet d'une autorisation valide pour le transport international, accordée par l'autorité compétente de la partie d'établissement du transporteur. 2. Chaque partie doit s'assurer que l'autorisation est accordée à des transporteurs qui confient le transport des animaux uniquement à un personnel ayant reçu une formation adéquate aux dispositions de cette convention. 3. Chaque partie s'assure que l'autorisation susmentionnée peut être suspendue ou retirée lorsque les autorités compétentes ayant accordé l'autorisation sont informées que le transporteur a, de façon répétée ou gravement, enfreint aux dispositions de cette convention. 4. Quand une partie a constaté une infraction à cette convention par un transporteur enregistré chez une autre partie à cette convention, la première devra communiquer à la seconde les détails de l'infraction constatée. CONCEPTION ET CONSTRUCTION Article 6 Conception et construction 1. Les moyens de transport, les conteneurs et leurs équipements doivent être construits, entretenus et utilisés de telle sorte que les blessures et les souffrances soient évitées, et pour assurer la sécurité des animaux au cours du transport. 2. Les moyens de transport ou conteneurs doivent être conçus et construits de telle manière que les animaux disposent de suffisamment d'espace pour rester debout dans leur position naturelle, sauf pour les volailles à l'exception des poussins d'un jour. 3. Les moyens de transport ou conteneurs doivent être conçus et construits de façon à assurer: a) un espace libre suffisant au-dessus de la tête des animaux, lorsqu'ils sont debout dans leur position naturelle, pour une circulation d'air efficace; b) le maintien d'une qualité et d'une quantité d'air appropriées à l'espèce transportée, en particulier lorsque les animaux sont transportés dans des espaces entièrement clos. 4. Les moyens de transport, conteneurs, équipements, etc., doivent être suffisamment solides pour supporter le poids des animaux, éviter qu'ils ne puissent s'en échapper ou en tomber, résister aux contraintes dues aux mouvements et disposer de séparations, lorsque cela est nécessaire, pour protéger les animaux contre les mouvements du moyen de transport. Les équipements doivent être conçus de manière à permettre des manœuvres rapides et faciles. 5. Les séparations doivent être rigides et suffisamment solides pour supporter le poids des animaux projetés contre elles, et conçues de façon à ne pas gêner la circulation de l'air. 6. Les moyens de transport ou les conteneurs doivent être construits et utilisés de façon à protéger les animaux contre les intempéries et les variations météorologiques défavorables. En particulier, le toit extérieur, situé directement au-dessus des animaux, doit limiter au maximum l'absorption et la conduction de la chaleur solaire. 7. Les planchers des moyens de transport ou des conteneurs doivent être antidérapants. Les planchers doivent être conçus, construits et entretenus afin d'éviter l'inconfort, la détresse et les blessures aux animaux, et réduire au minimum les fuites d'urine et de fèces. Les matériaux utilisés pour la construction des planchers doivent être sélectionnés de façon à lim