Animals have rights too! We can't just treat them any old how. The European Parliament wants to improve the welfare of animals destined for slaughter.

A-Z: A for Animals

https://api.multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/documents/20125/19165381/j002-0120-en.srt

Even animals destined for slaughter  mustn't be treated just anyhow.

The Parliament wants to improve  the welfare of the animals we eat.

There are already European rules  to protect them,

but they need to be better observed  by the Member States.

A series of rules have protected animals  for slaughter since early 2007.

Each year nearly 40 million cows,  pigs, horses and sheep

are transported and slaughtered  to feed Europeans.

But sometimes the animals are  badly treated or injured in transport.

MEPs want the rules to be properly  applied in the European Union.

Animals are not things.  They are sentient beings.

This is our human challenge  in the 21st century,

the duration, the temperature  and amounts of water

But if the rules aren't respected,  can you imagine the stress?

Hours in a truck, packed in like sardines,  no stop to stretch your legs, and no drink.

It has to change. From now on,  the journey will be limited to eight hours.

Veterinary inspections will increase  to check that animals arrive in good health.

From early on,  I've focused on animal transport,

because we really do need  new legislation.

We cannot allow cruelty to animals  to happen.

In general, we need to move away  from a situation

where animals are considered  as machines.

Today, even robots are sensitive beings.

But let's get back to the matter in hand.

So, the European Union would like  better checks on animal transport.

But how can it be done? We need  a system for monitoring the animals.

Proposal: use a satellite guidance system.

The aim is to increase checks  during the journey

Another solution is to set up abattoirs  close to farming areas.

It would reduce the transport  of live animals

from abattoir to shop  in refrigerated lorries.

Come on, my lovely.  Shall we go for a little ride?

I say total respect  for the animals we eat. Bye!