Europe

Abstract

Millions of animals are transported long distance (over 8 h) in Europe each year and there haslong been concern that this poses serious welfare issues for livestock. These journeys, sometimesin adverse conditions, regularly involve transporting animals thousands of kilometres to slaughter.Routes identifi ed as causing particular problems for animal welfare include those where:horses are transported from Central and Eastern Europe to Southern Italy; pigs are transportedfrom the Netherlands to Southern Italy; and where sheep are imported into Greece.Even where legislation governing the welfare of transported animals is adhered to,animals may endure long journeys in cramped conditions and the stress of being handled,mixed, loaded and unloaded. They may also be exposed to regional variations includingdifferences in climate and infrastructure which can further compromise their welfare.Furthermore, inconsistencies in enforcement of transport legislation within the EU and/orineffective penalties for non-compliance mean that legislation is all too often ignored withserious welfare implications for the transported animals. Reports of welfare infringementsen route are not uncommon and include: overstocking; illegal route plans; inadequate roadvehicles; and sick, injured and dead animals.Animal welfare organizations in Europe believe that the long-distance transport oflive animals over 8 h should be ended completely and that transportation of animals overthese distances should be in carcass form. However, the issue of the live export trade inEurope is complex and multifaceted, infl uenced by many factors from the economy to thereligions and cultures prevalent in the region. Legislative initiatives and action plans to beimplemented within the next few years will offer opportunities to improve the welfare oftransported livestock and alleviate, if not eradicate, the suffering they can endure on their,sometimes exceptionally long, journeys to slaughter. © WSPA 2008.