The export of live animals to non-EU countries is a hotly debated topic – especially when it comes to transport to countries that offer no animal welfare guarantees. As soon as the animals leave the EU's external borders, they are deprived of the protection they are entitled to within the EU. Morocco is such ‘problem country’ in terms of animal welfare. There are no animal welfare laws, and transport and slaughter conditions are appalling. The way animals are routinely treated at markets would clearly violate EU animal welfare laws. There is no possibility of euthanizing a seriously ill or injured ‘farm’ animal to end its suffering. These are just a few examples.
Veterinarians, politicians, NGOs, and citizens are therefore calling for a stop to export transports to so-called high-risk countries. However, the agricultural industry and its economic interests are strong. Despite the EU's self-imposed animal welfare goals, economic interests are given priority over animal welfare.
When talking to supporters of exports, they acknowledge that there are problems, but say that it is all just a question of planning—and that, of course, the quality of transport is a top priority.
But what is the reality?
On August 11, we are in the port of Algeciras in southern Spain. The country is suffering from a heatwave. Many people will have seen the images of the devastating fires in the nearby surfing paradise of Tarifa on the news.
In the port, we discover seven animal transports on their way to Morocco: cattle from Austria and Spain and Spanish lambs for slaughter and fattening in a third country. Fortunately, the trucks are in the shade while waiting in Algeciras, and a light breeze is blowing in from the sea. Nevertheless, the little lambs are breathing heavily, their noses are covered in mucus, and an extreme smell of ammonia is coming from the vehicles.
There is no sign of good planning or good transport conditions:
Record temperatures of 38°C are expected at the port of destination in Morocco.
On the onward journey to Casablanca, where some of the lambs will be taken to the slaughterhouse, temperatures of 39°C are forecast.
The calves on a transporter are desperately licking nipple drinkers for pigs – which cannot quench their thirst.
The drinking system is defective on a lamb transport.
The loading density is very high on all cattle transports: not all animals can lie down; lying animals are kicked, and the risk of injury is high.
None of the transports carry feed – that would cost money and take up space.
These transports should never have been allowed to leave. It is incomprehensible that the veterinarians at the places of departure approved them. The veterinary office in the port of Algeciras has little room for manoeuvre, as there is no possibility of unloading the animals in transit in the entire region. Returning the animals to their places of departure is hardly possible due to the extreme temperatures and would only prolong their suffering.
It is incomprehensible that export transports are not suspended even in August and in the middle of a heatwave. This fact shows once again that there is no hope for the goodwill of the ‘livestock’ industry – profit is all that counts here. It is a tough business in which the welfare of animals comes last.
Decision-makers in the EU should be aware of this. Animals' Angels therefore calls once again for
an end to long-distance transport of animals for fattening and slaughter
and an end to exports to non-EU countries.
