Numerous NGO investigations carried out since 2010 in horsemeat producing countries of North and South America and in Australia revealed non-compliance with applicable EU requirements regarding animal welfare and traceability. Horses are systematically neglected and mistreated; animals of unknown origin, and even stolen horses, are slaughtered for export to the European Union.
The EU has already suspended horsemeat imports from Mexico and Brazil, following audits carried out by the European Commission. Repeated EU audits in other exporting countries have identified very similar animal welfare and food safety issues as in Mexico and Brazil. It is time for the European Commission to impose the same measure against all countries that do not fulfil its import conditions.
The online event was held on Monday 8th March, from 14:00 to 15:00 (GMT+1:00) and provided insight into NGO investigations to discuss opportunities on how to support the efforts of NGOs.
Elio Celotto, Campaign Director of the Coalition for the Protection of Racehorses presented the topic of horsemeat production in Australia and the animal welfare issues related to that. Find his presentation here. After his intervention, MEP Anja Hazekamp gave the floor to Sonja Meadows, president and founder of Animals’ Angels. In her presentation, she explained the situation for North American horses and addressed the slaughter pipeline areas of concern.
Then, Project Manager at Animal Welfare Foundation (AWF) based in Germany, Sabrina Gurtner, touched upon the investigations done by NGOs in South America and the latest EU audit results. She also enjoyed the occasion to present AWF's petition demanding a suspension of the import of horsemeat. Find Sabrina's presentation here.
Finally, the event concluded with a presentation from Eurogroup for Animals Programme Officer on Trade and Animal Welfare Daniel Pérez. During his presentation, he introduced the E4A report From Stable to Fork: EU Horse Meat Imports presenting its calls to the European Commission.
Download the agenda here
The video recording is available here.