A long-awaited meeting between World Horse Welfare and Commissioner Dalli took place last week, allowing the charity’s concerns over long-distance transportation to slaughter in Europe to be heard by the new Commissioner.

This meeting, initiated by Julie Girling MEP, was an important follow-up to the adopted Written Declaration and provided an opportunity for World Horse Welfare representatives to present evidence of suffering and re-iterate its recommendation of a short, finite journey limit.

Jo White, director of campaigns, who, along with Julie, attended the meeting with chief executive Roly Owers and veterinary consultant Keith Meldrum, comments: “We’re extremely grateful to Julie and our supporters, who continue to maintain pressure on the Commission regarding this campaign. The meeting was very positive, with the Commissioner receptive to our ideas and this is a very encouraging step forwards.”

Julie Girling MEP, said: “This campaign has been high on my agenda ever since I found out the true horrors of the current, inhumane practice. World Horse Welfare has compelling evidence of abuse as well as a number of realistic recommendations to end the suffering of these horses going to slaughter.

“I’m very keen for the new Commissioner to listen to the MEPs who signed the Written Declaration and the many supporters who write to him – and us – and finally put an end to these journeys for good.”

World Horse Welfare is now awaiting the Commission’s report into long-distance transportation to slaughter, which is due to be released by early 2011, and encourages continual supporter action.

Please see www.worldhorsewelfare.org/takeaction for ways to get involved.