EU Looks for Alternative to Live Animal Transport

Photo by Joan W on Unsplash

Millions of animals go on difficult journeys within and outside of Europe each year. 

Transported via land and sea, these sentient beings, says campaign group Eurogroup for Animals, have few rules in place to protect their welfare, especially when they are exported to countries outside of the EU.

The group says it is vital the EU’s Transport Regulation is modernised and made much stronger and that policy-makers also consider a shift to a trade where live animals no longer need to be transported at all.

The group says, “The EU’s live animal transport industry is riddled with problems.”

It adds, “Not only is the sector detrimental to the welfare of countless animals, but tragedies are common. Vessels are detained at borders for days on end, leaving animals abandoned without food or water.”

“Animals are neglected by workers, and therefore suffer from injuries, exposure to extreme temperatures, and more. Sea journeys are made hazardously on vessels that don’t pass basic standards for animal welfare.”

Eurogroup for Animals wants change in this problematic industry for years, and says the EU is finally responding.

EU policy-makers have been working on the  transport regulation, the legislation that affects the welfare of all transported animals, since December 2023 – but unfortunately, this is not strong enough, according to the group.

It says, “As the file moves along the legislative process, it is vital these proposals are adapted further to ensure they adequately address the welfare needs of the animals currently suffering in this sector.” 

“Ideally, EU policy-makers will also focus on alternatives to the live animal transport industry, so no live animal is forced to endure difficult and lengthy journeys that feel innately unnatural to them.”

Live animal transport in the EU Facts:-

1. In 2022, 1,562,618,904 ovines, bovines, poultry and pigs were transported alive across the EU and from the EU to non-European countries;
2. Farm birds made up 97% of total live animal exports, which made them the most traded farm animal species. The top EU exporters of poultry were, Hungary,  Czechia  and Poland;
3. in 2019, 57,523 tonnes of fish was reported as exported alive from the EU, with 93% of these destined for other Member States;
4. 87,817 horses, asses, mules and hinnies were transported alive across the EU and to the rest of the world.