During a major heatwave, our team is out on the roads of Italy inspecting animal transports. As the 15th of August coincides with the start of the summer holidays in Italy, increased meat consumption is expected during these days. We want to check whether the transports are taking place in extreme temperatures and with an increased risk of traffic jams, as many people are now going on holiday, worsening the already dire situation for the animals.
We were shocked to see that at the hottest time of day, with temperatures of up to 39 degrees Celsius, there were indeed animal transporters on the road. One of the saddest transports we came across on a hot Sunday afternoon was a truck carrying pigs from Piedmont to a slaughterhouse in Abruzzo.
When the truck stops for the mandatory 45-minute driver's break, we are able to take a closer look, and what we see is alarming: the animals are being transported on three levels, but only the lowest deck has a functioning ventilation system. The drinking troughs are only on the right-hand side of the truck, making it very difficult for most of the pigs not in the front to get water. In addition, the drinkers are not working properly as the water pressure is very low. The pigs are showing clear signs of heat stress: foam at the mouth, panting, short, rapid breathing. We are giving some of them water, but we cannot reach all of them. We fear that some will not survive the journey in these conditions.
We accompanied the truck to its destination, a slaughterhouse, but were denied access to the unloading area. We asked the owner why the animals were being transported in such temperatures during the day. He explained that he had to avoid last-minute delays as the animals had to be slaughtered early on Monday morning to meet the demand for meat on 15 August. He claims to be concerned about the welfare of the animals, a statement that seems deeply ironic given the obvious suffering of the pigs.
The thought of animals being subjected to such horrific and dangerous journeys for profit, with no regard for their welfare, is heartbreaking. It is the animals who continue to pay the price for human needs and carelessness.
Italy: Transport of pigs at extreme temperatures
