Talks aimed at tightening up EU rules on the long-distance transport of animals have ended without agreement in Luxembourg.
Agriculture Ministers were discussing proposals to restrict the movement of animals to a maximum journey time of nine hours, followed by a 12-hour rest period.
Reacting to the news, the Irish Minister for Agriculture, Joe Walsh, expressed disappointment that the compromise proposals for reform of animal transport rules were not agreed.
Mr Walsh said extreme positions maintained by various countries made it impossible to reach a balanced agreement that would meet the objectives of reforming the rules.
The ministers could not reach an agreement that would ensure the legitimate trade for live animals could continue whilst leading to a real improvement in animal welfare standards, Mr Walsh said.
Efforts to reach a deal on the issue will continue over the next two months under the chairmanship of Mr Walsh.
