Triumph for animals in the European Union

In a major welfare advance, EU animals are legally recognised as "sentient beings".

The EU's 15 Heads of Government agreed at an Inter-governmental Conference in Amsterdam on 16 and 17 June 1997 that animals should be legally recognised as 'sentient beings', thus acknowledging that they are living creatures capable of feeling pain and suffering. A legally-binding protocol recognising animals as 'sentient beings' has been annexed to The Treaty of Rome, cornerstone of EU law and is binding on all EU countries.

Compassion in World Farming, which led a 10 year campaign to win the new status for animals in EU law has paid tribute to the British Government's new Junior Agricultural Minister, Elliot Morley MP for his role in helping to win the new status for animals. Said CIWF:
"We congratulate the UK government who led the way in Amsterdam in securing this major triumph for animal welfare. We also wish to acknowledge the major role of the International Fund for Animal Welfare in the success of this campaign."

Elliot Morley, MP

"We have to accept that the present battery system (for laying hens) has to go and it has to go on a European wide basis"
Britains' new Junior Agriculture Minister, Elliot Morley MP

A live cow is hoisted by one leg for long-distance transport by sea

The horrific price of long-distance transport of live animals for slaughter. This abhorrent cruelty may soon be a thing of the past in the EU. The new legal recognition of animals may force the EU to accept that the "goods" in which there should be free trade is meat, not live animals.
BRITAIN leads the way...
New Labour government set to ring in the changes

Micheal Meacher MP votes for farm animals

Britain's new Environment Minister, Michael Meacher MP (Labour) voting for farm animals.

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