Council Decision of 16 May 1988 on the conclusion of the European Convention for the Protection of Animals for Slaughter (88/306/EEC)

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES,

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 43 thereof,

Having regard to the proposal from the Commission^f1,

Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament^f2,

Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee^f3,

Whereas the Council adopted Directive 74/577/EEC on the stunning of animals before slaughter^f4, Directive 64/433/EEC on health problems affecting intra-Community trade in fresh meat^f5, as last amended by Directive 86/587/EEC^f6, and in particular Annex I, Chapter I, point 13 (a) thereto, and Directive 71/118/EEC on health problems affecting trade in fresh poultrymeat^f7, as last amended by Regulation (EEC) No 3768/85^f8, and in particular Annex I, Chapter IV, point 20 thereto;

Whereas the European Convention for the Protection of Animals for Slaughter, hereinafter referred to as ‘the Convention’, was drawn up within the Council of Europe to protect animals for slaughter; whereas Article 20 of the Convention provides that it may be signed by the Member States of the Council of Europe and by the European Economic Community;

Whereas the provisions of the Convention are in accordance with Directives 74/577/EEC, 64/433/EEC, and 71/118/EEC; whereas the scope of the Convention is however wider;

Whereas national laws concerning the protection of animals for slaughter have an impact on the conditions of competition and accordingly on the operation of the common market in agricultural products;

Whereas the Convention covers matters which fall within the scope of the common agricultural policy;

Whereas the Community's participation thus appears to comply with the achievement of the Community's objectives,

HEREBY DECIDES AS FOLLOWS: