EVERY year huge numbers of farmed animals are still transported alive in unacceptable conditions on European roads, only to be slaughtered on arrival.

Animals can spend entire days on the road, causing terrible and totally unnecessary suffering.

Current EU legislation allows for animals to be transported for several days. This has to be changed – and now there is a window of opportunity. The European Commission will shortly publish its report on the impact of Regulation 1/2005 on live animal transport. This will generate a new debate in the European institutions.

We can all help by writing to our MEPs and signing the European-wide "8hours" petition, which calls for journey times to be limited to eight hours. The aim is to collect one million signatures, something which EU politicians will not be able to ignore.

You can add your support to this urgent campaign by visiting www.8hours.eu. Alternatively, Exeter Friends For Animals will be running a stall in Exeter High Street by Bedford Square on Saturday, October 29, from 11am to 1 pm, where you can find out more and sign the paper petition.

Sharon Howe

Exeter Friends For Animals

Fortescue Road, Sidmouth