The event organised by A Promise to Animals, titled “In Transit, In Distress: The Need for Stronger EU Rules on Animal Transport”, was successfully held in Athens, at the Event Hall of Syntagma Metro Station.
The event started with Olga Kikou, Executive Director of A Promise to Animals, while a welcome address was delivered by Spiros Protopsaltis, Secretary General of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food.
During the main part of the event, Lesley Moffat, Director and Founder of Eyes on Animals, highlighted what animals endure during transport, while Silvia Meriggi, Researcher and Project Manager at Animals’ Angels, presented the organisation’s field experience in Greece. Iris Baumgärtner, Project Manager at Animal Welfare Foundation, focused on the issue of live animal exports outside the European Union.
At the institutional level, Member of the European Parliament Tilly Metz, co rapporteur of the legislative proposal on the protection of animals during transport, presented the developments and challenges related to the ongoing revision of EU legislation. Katerina Marinou, Director General of Veterinary Services at the Ministry of Rural Development and Food, referred to the national framework for implementation.
The event concluded with questions and discussion with the audience, as well as key conclusions and references to next steps. The strong interest and active participation confirmed the need for transparency, accountability and meaningful policy change on an issue that affects the welfare of millions of animals.