Published 26/08/2016

A newly-released investigation by our friends TSB|AWF and Eyes on Animals has shown that young farm animals suffer immensely on long journeys within the EU.

The organisations followed 10 transporters carrying calves and one carrying lambs over the past two years, travelling within the EU. They uncovered a systematic failure to properly care for these animals, many of which were just 10 days old and recently separated from their mothers.

Warning: some may find this video distressing

Horrific and unnecessary journeys

Our CEO, Philip Lymbery, said: “I am appalled by the awful suffering endured by these poor calves and lambs. It is a truly horrific and unnecessary journey for such young, vulnerable animals to be subjected to.”

The report found unweaned animals were often deprived of food and water, as the transporters were not properly equipped for providing for them. Desperately hungry and thirsty, some calves were seen licking the bars of the truck in vain, or attempting to suckle on their fellow calves’ hair in desperation.

These disturbing findings show once again that we must not continue to treat animals as commodities.

Spreading the word

The investigation has gathered widespread media coverage in Europe, drawing attention to the plight of the millions of animals subjected to these horrific journeys annually.

The international movement against live transport is gathering a response to this and countless other evidence of animal suffering during long distance live transport.

Animals Are Not Freight

This year, for the first time ever, hundreds of campaigners and 65 organisations are all uniting to take action and say: Animals are Not Freight!

On Monday, 29th August 2016, rallies, marches and protests are being held across the globe to take a stand against this cruel trade.

Visit www.NotFreight.org to get involved!