Animals' Angels publishes dossier on transport of so-called 'cull dairy' cows for slaughter
The cows' last journey to the slaughterhouse is often shamefully miserable. After several years in the dairy industry and after constant pregnancy, the animals are exhausted and often sick or injured. In fact, according to EU law, in these conditions they should not be transported at all but should be euthanized or emergency killed in the farm. But money makes the world go round. Many farmers are more concerned with marketing the animals profitably by selling them to a slaughterhouse or, even more lucratively, through a livestock market. Or they turn a blind eye and give the animals to a dealer. Not even the minimum animal welfare requirements are being met when transporting and marketing cows. The problem ranges from lax implementation of animal welfare regulations, incompetence, and misinterpretations to criminal business models with sick animals in the worst cases. The problem is widespread throughout the EU and despite constant efforts, it is not being contained.
The blame lies not only with the agriculture industry, but also with veterinarians, who look the other way when sick or injured cows are loaded. There are alternatives to the slaughterhouse for farmers, starting with euthanasia, mobile slaughter, emergency slaughter on the farm, early retirement from milk production and fattening, and slaughter-free forms of husbandry. So far, however, economic factors have been the driving force. Animal welfare and ethical considerations are neglected. Animals' Angels' experience over the last 20 years has shown that one cannot rely on alternatives and goodwill. EU legislation must put an end to the additional suffering of 'dairy' cows. Clear legal requirements for fitness for transport are overdue. A significant reduction in transport time and a change in the marketing of cows are also urgently needed. Unfortunately, the European Commission's current proposal for a new regulation on the protection of animals during transport does not meet these urgent requirements.
Animals' Angels calls for the introduction of an absolute transport time limit of 4 hours for 'cull diary' cows (and other 'spent' animals) to protect them. 'Cull dairy' cows (and other 'spent' animals) must be excluded from marketing at markets or via other assembly centers.
Download the dossier:
