Swiss Council Demands Stricter EU Rules for Animal Transports to Third Countries
The Swiss Federal Council has called for stricter EU regulations on animal transports to third countries, aiming to enhance animal welfare. The council demands clear rules to protect animals and strengthen existing laws.
The Federal Council insists that animal transports to third countries should only be permitted if the destination country adheres to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) Terrestrial Animal Health Code. This comes in response to recurring animal welfare violations in exports to certain third countries.
The council has questioned the EU's 2023 decision to withdraw bilateral veterinary certificates for breeding animal exports. Instead, it proposes granting the EU Commission the power to investigate and prohibit animal exports when violations occur. The council believes this approach would be more effective in improving animal welfare.
The Federal Council adopted a resolution on September 26, 2025, to ensure animal welfare in animal transports to non-EU countries. Currently, competent authorities lack the means to prevent welfare violations during transport handling. The council demands that future veterinary certificates include clear animal welfare criteria.
The Federal Council's resolution underscores the need for robust EU regulations to protect animal welfare during transports to third countries. By demanding clear rules, investigation powers for the EU Commission, and defined welfare criteria in veterinary certificates, the council aims to strengthen animal welfare law and prevent further violations.
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