AATA's 32nd International Conference
Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel - Amsterdam, The Netherlands

"Responsibility, Reliability, Accountability:
Today's Challenges . . . Tomorrow's Industry Standards"

Now that Europe embraces 25 Member States, from the Tundra to Tangier, from the two Brests of Brittany and Belarus, the logistics of animal transport have become an even bigger challenge. From 1 January 2007 all the old animal transport Directives will be imposed through a new Regulation 2005/1. This will address surveillance, border controls, journey times, loading densities, ventilation, temperature control, rest stops, drivers hours, penalties and policing. The animal transport industry is taking its own steps to meet these challenges by self regulation, assessment of competence, installation of GPS systems on trucks, investment in research and design of new transport vehicles.

Whilst the driver of the wagon is still "responsible for the animals for the time being in his care", there is a requirement for increased responsibility on the part of all in the chain including shippers, consignors, container designers, legislators and even consumers. 'Food miles' includes not just the transport of meat but also of the live animal, which has meant an increased interest among consumers about how and where their meat was reared, transported and slaughtered. Concern covers not just domestic production, but the wider issues of imports and world trade.

It is the aim of AATA to professionalize all those involved in animal handling prior to, during and following transport. This does not just apply to equine grooms, but to lorry drivers, airport personnel, in-flight attendants, etc. – anyone in any area of the industry who looks after any kind of animals. We have to actively assume our responsibilities, improve reliability within the industry and demand accountability . . . focusing on the welfare of our animals, the safety of our people, the security of our environment and our world in general. Our 32nd International Conference in Amsterdam addressed all of these aspects and more. Special two-hour seminars were held on Monday afternoon, each focusing on a different species: equine, livestock, lab animals, wildlife/exotics and pets.

AATA's 32nd Annual Conference was held in the 17th century, domed Koepelchurch Convention Centre, connected to the Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel off Dam Square. For long-time AATA members, this was a familiar venue as the hotel, previously "The Sonesta", was also the location of AATA's 1988 conference. AATA’s 2006 Amsterdam Conference was invaluable to everyone involved in transport of animals - from giraffes to gerbils - and provided a great opportunity to network with old and new friends.

SUNDAY - April 23, 2006

Icebreaker Reception

MONDAY - April 24, 2006

AATA 32nd INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OPENS

	Opening Remarks, Welcome to Amsterdam
[ More Info ]	Keynote Address: "Better Animal Welfare During Transport: Making Sense for the E.U." - Dr. Andrea Gavinelli, Animal Welfare and Identification Unit, Animal Health & Welfare, European Commission

LONG DISTANCE TRANSPORT OF ANIMALS: NEW INSIGHT INTO AN EVOLVING ISSUE

[ More Info ]	Feed, Water & Rest During Transport: A Regulator's Perspective - Dr. Gordon Doonan, Canadian Food Inspection Agency
[ More Info ]	Welfare and Health During Long Distance Transport of Cattle - Univ. Prof Dr. J. Hartung, Institute of Animal Hygiene, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany
[ More Info ]	Research Findings: New Technology that Can Affect Acceptable Transit Times - Dr. A. L. Schaefer, Agriculture Canada, Lacombe Research Centre-Alberta
[ More Info ]	Animal Welfare: Legislation or Compliance Problem? - Ms. Debby van Son, Saveetra

SPECIES-SPECIFIC SEMINARS:

Grooms In Today's Equine Industry:

AATA's 32nd International Conference Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel - Amsterdam, The Netherlands

AATA's 32nd International Conference
Renaissance Amsterdam Hotel - Amsterdam, The Netherlands