STATUS OF ANIMALS IN THE TREATY OF ROME

That this House is appalled that animals are classified as goods or agricultural products in the Treaty of Rome; believes that animals should be given a new status in the Treaty of Rome as sentient beings, which would recognise that they are living creatures and which would lead to animal welfare and protection being given a higher profile in European Union legislation and policy-making; is convinced that it now time for the European Union to treat their animal population in a manner appropriate to civilised values; and urges Her Majesty's Government to takethe lead at the 1996 Inter-Governmental Conference in pressing for animals to be given a new status in the Treaty of Rome as sentient beings and for the protection and proper welfare of animals to be fully incorporated among the recognised objectives of the European Union.