This does NOT prevent rescue transport; that claim is scaremongering. The rules protect dogs, cats, road users, and even volunteers who drive non-stop in breach of existing laws. Stray animals are already covered under the Balai Directive, EC Reg 1/2005, TRACES, and other veterinary and biosecurity rules. Non-stop driving increases stress and risk. Claims that unloading en route is forbidden or that long-distance transport will be impossible are simply false.

Source: EC 1/2005, Council Directive 92/65/EEC (Balai)

The "longer" journey time spoken of is only an average of 4 hours over the first 6 days of travel (EC) No 561/2006). And this only gives more time to properly walk, rest and toilet the dogs. The petition is flawed as it relies more on emotion than fact or the wider reality. It also ignores the greater gains for the safety and welfare of humans and animals alike. And, by the way, it comes two years too late.