In particular, it is the weaker cows that we find at the animal markets in the north of Spain. They are often sick or lame. Their "milk yield" has decreased or they do not get pregnant quickly enough. So they are sorted out and sold here as "slaughter cattle".
So it is not surprising that some of the animals at the markets look dirty or neglected, standing with their backs bent or their heads bowed in pain. Instead of being transported directly from the farm to the slaughterhouse, they are subjected to two additional journeys, including loading and unloading. Then there is the day at the market. They arrive at night or early in the morning and are unloaded. They stand in pens that are sparsely littered with sawdust. They are surrounded by many unfamiliar animals and people. They are not usually given food or water. During the market day, they are reloaded for transport - it is not uncommon for an animal to slip or try to break through the barriers.
For the animals, markets are always a time of extreme stress and additional suffering - especially for the most vulnerable. We are therefore convinced that they should be abolished. The European Food Safety Authority also says: "The transport of animals for slaughter to an auction market often involves successive journeys, increasing the total duration of the journey and exposing the animals to additional handling, unfamiliar environments, limited availability of feed and water, cold or hot environments; there are fewer opportunities to rest and more opportunities for any existing health condition to deteriorate".
These statements alone should be enough to put an end to the markets.
