Published 28/03/2017

The shame of the worldwide live transport trade

Please note this contains some distressing scenes from the outset.

Highlighting the horrors

The new footage shows the horrific conditions and distress that the animals endure whilst being transported long distances, and the inhumane treatment they face at slaughter.

Peter Stevenson, our Chief Policy Advisor, said:“This shocking new video highlights the immense suffering involved in the global trade in live animals.

“Sending animals on unnaturally long journeys to countries where they will be slaughtered with immense brutality is not paying regard to their welfare.”

Stop the Trucks

We recently wrote about the findings from a six month investigation by Eurogroup and Animals International which revealed the awful conditions and distress European cattle and sheep endure whilst being transported long distances to slaughter in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine and Egypt. 

Investigations such as these are crucial to raise public awareness of this appalling and unnecessary trade and also to create momentum for the Stop The Trucks campaign.

Immense suffering

Every year, over 3 million animals are shipped live from the EU to countries outside the EU.

Their journeys can last several days exposing them to exhaustion, dehydration, injury, disease, and even death. Animals will often be shipped in these conditions, only to be slaughtered at journey’s end using inhumane methods.

We are therefore calling for animals to be reared and slaughtered as close as possible to their place of birth and for the live transport of animals for slaughter to be replaced by a trade in meat.

Take Action

You can help to stop the long distance transport of animals and the suffering it causes. Take action today - email the Commission and sign the petition to Stop the Trucks.