Tameside Lib Dem MEP Chris Davies has welcomed a successful step forward to ending the cruelty suffered by horses transported for slaughter. Last week, a written declaration calling for action was adopted in the European Parliament, having been signed by a majority of MEPs.

The declaration, supported by World Horse Welfare, was launched before Christmas to highlight the scandalous suffering endured by many horses as they are moved in lorries and trailers. Commenting on the development, Chris Davies said, “This is very good news for everyone campaigning to stop animal cruelty in Europe. The European Parliament has come on board alongside a petition signed by 120,000 citizens to demand action to end the suffering of horses.

“Euro MPs from all parties have looked at evidence that EU rules meant to protect the welfare of horses during long distance transport are being flouted, resulting in appalling cruelty.

“In too many countries there are too few inspections or none at all. Now that a majority of MEPs have signed the written declaration, the issue must be looked into at a European level.

“This success is thanks to the hard work of World Horse Welfare and the campaigning carried out by hundreds of individuals, including many in Tameside.”

Over 100,000 horses are transported long distances across the continent to slaughter every year, many of them in inhumane conditions, causing exhaustion, dehydration, injury and death. Among the abuses uncovered were examples of horses being denied rest stops, food and water and packed like sardines into steel lorries where temperatures can be above 40 degrees. Some of the horses suffer terrible injuries or are dead on arrival at their destination.