New Records Illuminate the Dark Corners of EU Animal Trade

Previously undisclosed records have exposed the European Union’s involvement in the contentious live farm animal trade, shedding light on the extensive journeys endured by millions of livestock. The documents, obtained from official planning records, divulge intricate details of over 180,000 consignments of EU cows, pigs, sheep, and other species over 19 months between 2021 and 2023.

The animal journey logs reveal that millions of farm animals were transported across Europe and internationally on journeys lasting eight hours or more, with some spanning days or even weeks. These animals were traded for breeding, fattening, and slaughter purposes, either between European countries or globally. The exhaustive transport has raised concerns among campaigners who argue that the prolonged journey times contribute to overcrowding, exhaustion, dehydration, stress, and the potential spread of diseases.

In response to these revelations, a joint report by Compassion in World Farming and Eurogroup for Animals is urging the EU to impose an embargo on exporting farm animals outside the bloc. The report calls for strict limits on journey times between EU nations and the prohibition of live transport of unweaned livestock. Campaigners emphasize the urgency of addressing this issue, emphasizing the cruelty and unnecessary suffering inflicted upon animals in the pursuit of profit.

As the EU officials prepare to announce proposals for amending regulations on live animal transport, the European Commission has affirmed its commitment to improving animal welfare. The Commission highlights its progress over 40 years in enhancing animal welfare standards, with a specific focus on the recent adoption of new rules for sea transport in early 2023. The forthcoming proposals in December 2023 are expected to address the protection of animals during transport as a priority.

The extensive research, using various sources such as animal journey logs, trade figures, satellite mapping, and maritime data, indicates that approximately 44 million farm animals are transported annually between EU member states and exported internationally. This constitutes a small yet significant portion of the estimated 1.6 billion live animals moved within the EU and internationally each year. The thriving trade is fueled by the rising global demand for meat, with European companies capitalizing on opportunities to supply breeding and fattening animals to countries worldwide.

The live animal export industry faces criticism for its impact on animal welfare, climate, biodiversity, and human health. The closure of abattoirs and increased consolidation in the meat processing sector have contributed to longer transports within Europe. The Middle East and North Africa serve as key markets for sheep, while some animals endure journeys as far as Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Recommendations from the European Food Safety Authority emphasize multiple welfare concerns, ranging from stress and injuries to prolonged hunger and thirst during transportation.

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