This week (10 September), we’re celebrating a big breakthrough for vulnerable young calves forced to endure gruelling journeys across Europe.

Dutch authorities have announced they will fine Irish transport companies carrying unweaned calves from Ireland, unless they are fed at the legally required intervals. Companies could be fined €3,000 for each violation, rising to €27,000 for a fourth offence, making this already dying industry even less profitable.

Vulnerable calves

This year, more than 160,000 calves, some as young as two weeks old, have already been transported from Ireland to France. By the time they arrive in France, they have already gone without food for 18 hours.

This is in breach of EU animal welfare laws, yet the trade has been allowed to continue.

The vulnerable calves are then transported by road to destinations around Europe. The Netherlands has imported more than 79,000 Irish calves so far this year, making the country the biggest customer. Other countries importing Irish calves include Spain and Italy, which have imported 54,000 and 15,000, respectively, so far in 2026.

The tide is turning

The Dutch decision is a powerful step forward, but it must be the beginning of wider action.

Within just one year, Stena Line has withdrawn from its Ireland-to-France route, and Brittany Ferries has stopped carrying live farmed animals. Now the pressure is firmly on Irish Ferries, the remaining ferry operator involved in transporting unweaned calves on these journeys.

Eloise Shavelar, our Global Head of Campaigns and Advocacy, said:

This decision sends a powerful message that animal welfare law cannot continue to be ignored, and those profiting from the suffering of very young calves will finally be held to account.

We welcome the Dutch authorities for stepping up to end this cruelty, taking action where the EU Commission has failed to act.  The Commission can no longer look the other way while calves endure unlawful sea journeys. It must act now, and Irish Ferries should immediately end its involvement in transporting unweaned calves on these routes. 

Help stop the suffering

Over 70,000 people have already contacted Irish Ferries, demanding that the company stop cruel live animal transport.

Dutch Authorities Crack Down on Cruel Calf Transport