Press Release: Commission refers Greece to Court over animal welfare infringements

The Commission has decided to refer Greece to the European Court of Justice for failure to properly implement and enforce EU legislation on animal welfare in transport and at slaughter. The decision to take this action against Greece follows persistent short-comings identified in the field of animal welfare over a number of years. The standard of animal welfare in Greece remains below par and the necessary legislation has not been adequately implemented. Therefore, the Commission has no alternative but to refer the case to the Court of Justice.