Islands—one of the longest routes within the European Union. Fortunately, temperatures today are not as high as in previous days, but it is still warm and humid in the port. Our team witnesses something we have not seen since 2004: the transport of poultry to the Canary Islands. Two empty poultry trucks drive off the same ferry that is also used for cattle transports. This means that just a few days earlier, thousands of laying hens were transported across the sea. According to statements from cattle transport drivers, conditions for the hens during the crossing are extremely poor, and hundreds of them do not survive the journey. Transporting poultry over such long distances and in high temperatures causes immense suffering. Birds can experience heat stress at temperatures well below 30°C. It is extremely concerning that these transports continue to be subsidized by the Spanish government and that the responsible authorities approve them even during heatwaves and on such long routes. The return of poultry transports to the Canary Islands after more than two decades is a major setback for animal welfare. It is an extremely disappointing development. We will investigate these transports and contact the authorities to demand an immediate ban on poultry transports to the Canary Islands—at least during the summer months.
