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		Have your say on animal welfare! Thursday, 5 December 2002 The European Commission has invited the public to participate in an Internet consultation on the subject of animal transportation and animal welfare. This is part of their plan to revise legislation covering animal transportation and livestock markets. The online consultation is part of a new policy making initiative, which the Commission hopes will help them to respond more quickly and accurately to the demands of citizens, consumers and business with a view to making EU policy-making more transparent, and effective. The open online consultation started on the 2nd December and the public can submit their comments until 15th December. Roger with Gyllyr, an Austrian Haflinger pony East Midlands Euro-MP Roger Helmer has received many letters from the public and organisations including the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH) on the issue of animal welfare during transport. Jo White, ILPH's Campaign Manager said: "The ILPH welcomes this positive step by the Commission. The on-line consultation will enable EU citizens to express their concerns and take part in the decision-making process, which we hope will result in significant improvements to the current conditions in which animals are transported live for slaughter." Speaking from Brussels, Roger Helmer MEP said: "I am a strong supporter of animal protection and have been working with the ILPH in campaigning for the revision of current legislation on animal transportation in the European Parliament. However, it was only through chance that I, an MP in the European Parliament, heard about the public consultation on the animal transportation issue. The Commission needs to realise that a public consultation can only be such if the public actually know about it! This is a chance for the public to have their say. I encourage all those with an interest in animal transportation to visit the consultation website and make a contribution to this very important area of legislation." The Public may participate in the online consultation by clicking here.