Proposals from Jill Evans MEP (Plaid Cymru - the Party of Wales) to introduce a 'pet passports' scheme in the European Union have been approved by the European Parliament in Strasbourg today. The Welsh MEPs proposals mean that EU citizens will be able to travel with their pets throughout the European Union with far greater ease. The scheme includes stringent safeguards to ensure high safety standards and the protection of public health.

Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Jill Evans MEP said:

"Thanks to this innovative new scheme, pets and their owners will no longer have to be separated during holidays or if they move to another EU country. I know that many pet owners - and perhaps pets too - will welcome this scheme which makes it far easier for them to travel together across Europe, whilst maintaining stringent safeguards to protect animal and public health. For many people a pet is a much loved member of the family and the difficulties in taking pets abroad have in the past either prevented people from travelling or meant a forced separation.

I recognise that there has been some controversy regarding the inclusion of ferrets in the scheme. Whilst many have expressed surprise at the classification of ferrets as pets, I can assure them that in Wales many ferret owners will be delighted with this agreement.

European governments now need to ensure that in implementing this scheme they afford their citizens every opportunity to take their pets with them when they travel - this means informing people of the requirements of the scheme and setting up adequate facilities at ports and airports.

I look forward to a time when it is a norm for pet owners to travel with their pets - who for many are cherished members of their family - when they go on holiday or travel in Europe for whatever reason."

Ends.