Germany tightens animal transport rules, urges EU-wide follow-up

Germany's Agriculture Ministry, led by Cem Özdemir, is taking steps to further limit the transport of live animals to countries outside the EU, intending to bolster animal welfare. The plan includes ceasing the issuance of veterinary certificates for breeding animals in non-EU states from mid-2023, following a similar measure for slaughter and fattening. Despite these efforts, Germany's actions may not completely halt third-country exports due to the issue of certificates being negotiated between exporters and destinations. The ministry is advocating for other EU countries to adopt similar measures and is urging the European Commission to play a more active role. Animal rights organizations, while welcoming Germany's initiative, point out that national bans could be undermined by movements through other EU member states. The European Commission is working on revising the EU's animal welfare law to support the Farm to Fork strategy, with the European Food Safety Authority recommending limits on live animal transport times to combat antibiotic resistance.