ERA General Assembly in Segovia: United voice of the EU forward-looking rabbit sector

It is under the radiant sun of the beautiful city of Segovia (Spain) that the members of the European Rabbit Association (ERA) met on the 18th and 19th of April 2024 for the General Assembly. “The European rabbit sector has come a long way!”, praised Alfonso Miguel Casado, ERA President. He added “ERA is clearly the best tool for promoting and raising awareness about the rabbit sector by bringing a united voice to EU policy makers.”

ERA’s members approved the position paper on the proposed regulation related to the welfare of animals during transport. Titled “An unrealistic and inadequate legislative proposal,” the sector highlights that the current practices offer an adequate level of animal welfare, as shown by the low average mortality rate of 0,2% in rabbit transport. ERA considers that the new legal requirements put forward by the European Commission are unrealistic and unsustainable on several key aspects such as journey times, space allowance and height of the containers. Members reaffirmed their will to be proactive on this important file and to keep feeding the institutional discussion.

In the run-up to the European elections which will shape a new political landscape and new political priorities for the next 5 years, ERA’s members laid the foundations of the strategic action plan of the sector; an ambitious sector aware of its strengths and the many challenges to be met.

Moreover, willing to increase the visibility of the association, ERA will be present for the first time at the 13th World Rabbit Congress from the 2nd to the 4th of October 2024 in Tarragona. If you pass by, do not hesitate to stop to discuss with our members!