A meeting of the Members of European Parliament (MEP) Horse Group was held in Brussels on March 5 and arranged by the European Horse Network (EHN). The European Federation of Thoroughbred Breeders' Associations (EFTBA) was well-represented at the meeting by chairman Joe Hernon and Veterinary Advisory Committee chairman Des Leadon. There were also a number of MEPs and members of the EHN on hand.
Nina Carberry hosted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Much of the discussion was on the future of the equine sector as well as negotiations on the next Common Agricultural Policy progress (CAP).
Carberry, co-chair of the MEP Horse Group, spoke next and touched on the EU Welfare in transport Proposals – stating that “one size could not fit all”, in this context.
During a period for questions from the audience, Des Leadon used this opportunity to expand on the value to the rural environment and society as a whole, that is provided by stud farms. He also used the opportunity to speak directly to President von der Leyen and to all present, to highlight the data provided by EFTBA (to the EU Commission, Council and MEPs) which shows conclusively, that there is no justification for prohibiting the transport of pregnant mares after 80% of gestation and no justification for prohibiting the transport of foals for foal heat matings.
Discussions included the importance of maintaining the sector's social licence during which MEP Nina Carberry's touched on proposals for moving towards an EU-wide digital identification and traceability system for horses.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
