歐盟一項攸關動物福利的法規5日起生效，往後人類運送動物時，不論該動物是食用或其他用途，都必須對動物付出更多關愛。執委會表示，這項規定是基於我們認可「動物為有情感的生物」而制訂。這項新規範可避免動物遭受不必要的痛苦或虐待，是對動物福利給予最低限度的法律規範，並賦予動物主人和管理人尊重此動物福利之基本義務。
新法規特別提高輸送過程硬體設備的標準，對於運送車輛和籠具都有更嚴格的規定。根據新規定，運送過程若超過8小時，車輛設備需更新且並須通過官方審核，以確保車上活動空間，包含溫度、溼度、通風等「微氣候」因子，以及灑水設施都更適合動物需求。
新法規針對年幼或初生動物另有特殊規範，而一週內臨盆的母獸則可能完全禁止輸送。駕駛和隨車看顧人員將強制接受訓練課程，自2008年起，必需取得相關執照才能看顧動物。
新法規也擴大適用範圍，規範對象除了運輸過程的作業人員外，更包括買賣者、駕駛、和每個運輸中繼站的職員。
歐盟執委會表示，按新規定，即日起凡用來長途運送（8小時以上）動物的新車輛，都必須裝設衛星導航系統，如此一來，無論在行進或休息，都能確保運送過程合乎法令規定。至於舊有車輛，則必須在2009年之前加裝導航設備。
Animals transported by humans for food or other uses will have to be treated more compassionately after tomorrow, when a new European Union regulation on animal welfare in transport enters into force.
The European Commission says its activities "start with the recognition that animals are sentient beings." The regulation aims to ensure that animals do not endure avoidable pain or suffering, and obliges the owners and keepers of animals to respect minimum welfare requirements.
Among the new safeguards for animals being introduced are higher standards for vehicles and equipment, and stricter requirements for those dealing with animals in transport.
Under the new rules, vehicles used to transport animals for eight hours or more will have to be upgraded and officially approved. New equipments in the vehicles will ensure that the microclimate in the vehicle is more adapted for the animals and stricter watering requirements are set out.
Special attention is paid to young animals and newborn animals, and females within one week of giving birth may not be transported at all. Drivers and attendants of animals in transit will be subject to compulsory training, and from 2008 they must be certified to care for the animals.
The new legislation extends and clarifies the chain of responsibility for the animals, to include not only transport operators but also traders, drivers, and staff at each point of the journey.
From now on, any new vehicles to be used for the long distance transport of animals on trips lasting over eight hours must be equipped with a satellite navigation system. This will allow better controls on the enforcement of EU rules on travel and rest times, the Commission says. Older trucks which are already in use have until 2009 to install this equipment.
