On the 10th of September the European Court of Justice ruled in a case brought by the European Commission against the Greek government that alleged Greece had failed to enforce the EU Transport and Slaughter Directives. Europe’s highest court upheld many of the Commission’s allegations, ruling that Greece has failed to enforce EU animal welfare directives on slaughter and transport. The judgment found that Greece has failed to fulfill its obligations under the Council Directive on the protection of animals during transport and on the protection of animals at the time of slaughter or killing. The case’s allegations were formed using information gathered by the European Commission’s Food and Veterinary Office (FVO), which ensures EU animal welfare legislation is properly implemented and enforced. The FVO carried out missions into Greek slaughter and transport practices. The Commission recognised the need to act following key investigations by Compassion in World Farming and other animal welfare groups. Films produced by Compassion in World Farming in 1997, 2001 and 2005, which show widespread breaches of the Slaughter Directive in Greece, have helped lead to this significant Court judgment.
Greek government condemned for failure to enforce animal welfare laws
