Category: Farm Animals

Farm Animals

Do we need a European commissioner for animal welfare?

Along with dozens of European organizations, Animal Equality Italy launched a campaign to create a new government position: European Commissioner for Animal Welfare.

WHY WE JOINED THE COALITION: The campaign launch comes on the heels of the live animal transport tragedy, in which two animal transport ships carrying a total of almost two thousand animals were denied entry to multiple European countries due to a suspected disease and the ships full of animals drifted through the Mediterranean sea for months—one of the ships remains at sea today.

Footage revealing the harsh conditions and treatment of animals on farms and slaughterhouses in Italy and Europe also led to the launch of the campaign, which has been a long time in the making.

LANGUAGE IS IMPORTANT: Currently, the European Commissioner for Health and Food Safety is responsible for not only food safety issues but also everything related to animal welfare within the European Union (EU).

Leaving animals out of the job title highlights the limited commitment of the EU on animal issues, which need attention now more than ever.
That’s why the new campaign is pushing for the current Commissioner’s job title to be changed to, “European Commissioner for Health, Food Safety and Animal Welfare.”

ANIMAL PROTECTION SHOULD COME BEFORE ECONOMIC INTERESTS: European citizens have repeatedly shown that they care about animals. Surveys, including those conducted on behalf of the European Commission, show that the clear majority of citizens want to see a higher level of animal protection in European legislation.

Despite the existence of some legislation dedicated to the protection of animals, economic interests too often prevail over the requests of citizens and even those of the European Parliament, which has repeatedly called for the introduction of legislative changes to help animals.

With the establishment of a European Commissioner for Animal Welfare, animal issues will have more visibility within the European Union and the Commissioner will be explicitly invited to adopt a more proactive and progressive attitude on animal welfare on behalf of the whole European Commission.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: Our work in making this a reality has already begun, as we’ve entered into talks with European lawmakers, but to really put pressure on political decision-makers we need your support!

Sign the petition calling for an EU Commissioner for Animal Welfare, now!

SIGN THE PETITION

https://animalequality.org/news/animal-equality-pushes-for-a-european-commissioner-for-animal-welfare/

And I mean…It is naive to believe that with a new title, a disinterested commissioner, friend and supporter of the agribusiness would finally begin to carry out his duties as animal welfare officer.
Even now, those responsible know what is considered to be animal law in the EU:

Freedom from hunger and thirst
Freedom from discomfort
Freedom from pain, injury, and disease
Freedom to express normal behavior
Freedom from fear and distress.
There is no lack of laws, there is a lack of fairness and professional ethics

The EU Commission’s policy is animal industry-friendly. Most EU commissioners only view animals as goods, products or property.
Intentional or commercially motivated cruelty to animals is not prevented by the existing laws. And not punished either.

The EU Commission is concerned with maintaining the flow of “animal”- goods and is only interested in facilitating cross-border animal transports.
This not only has catastrophic effects on the animals but has also undermined trust in the EU Commission and damaged its reputation abroad
No EU commissioner needs a new title, but a new moral.

My best regards to all, Venus

Farm Animals, General News, Live Transport

Belgium: GAIA (Belgium Animal Rights) Launches #EUforAnimals Campaign. Show Your Support By Signing the Petition – Link Given.

WAV Comment – GAIA are a great campaigning organisation based in Belgium, supporting a wide range of animal issues,  Check out their website from the link below to see more.  We have enjoyed campaigning with them in Brussels (EU HQ) in the past on the live export issues.

We encourage everyone to sign the petition at EU for Animals – and let the non acting EU that they really need to get into Century 21 and more importantly, reflect the wishes of the vast majority of EU citizens.

Note – you DO NOT have to be an EU citizen to sign this; anyone can contribute.  Just select your nationality at the end of the petition form.

Regards Mark

Website – https://www.gaia.be/en

GAIA launches #EUforAnimals campaign

18 March 2021

GAIA

On 10th March, GAIA, together with various other organisations and the support of Eurogroup for Animals, launched very successfully the #EUforAnimals campaign. Main goal is to explicitly include ‘Animal Welfare’ into the job title of the Commissioner for Health and Food Safety.

GAIA’s key demand is that more relevance is given to animal welfare by making this responsibility explicit in the name of the relevant Directorate-General and the job title of the competent EU Commissioner. In the present context, the Commissioner’s responsibility would become for “Health, Food Safety and Animal Welfare”. 

Animal protection in the EU will increase if this obligation is highlighted, and the appropriate Commissioner is expressly urged to take a more constructive and progressive approach to animal welfare on behalf of the entire European Commission, thereby reacting to the passionate call of European citizens.

You can sign the petition on the EU for Animals website and a space will be added in the coming days to show the list of MEPs who have communicated their support. 

Read more at source

#EUforAnimals

Farm Animals, General News, Live Transport

Togo / Spain: Further ‘Elbeik’ Update 1416GMT 18/3/21 – Stranded Cattle Ship Ordered to Dock in Spain after ‘Hellish’ Three Months at Sea.

Following on from our earlier post today regarding the cattle stranded at sea on the ‘Elbeik’:

Togo: Live Animal Transport: Elbeik Still At Sea with 1700 Animals and Over 100 Feared Dead – Expected to Dock In Cartagena, Spain Tonight. ‘Karim Allah’ Killing Team Still In Cartegena. What Happens Later ? – World Animals Voice

We now have the following from UK Press ‘The Guardian’ (London), as follows.

Does this situation not sum up the scum involved in this business, that

“a source said the owner plans to sell the animals “to north Africa”.

All this time at sea, and the suffering involved with it, the numbers of animals now dead, and all this thickhead can think about is still trying to make money from the remaining animals, and sending them on yet further (by sea ) to another destination in North Africa; which we can only view as being ‘Libya’.

Regards Mark

Stranded cattle ship ordered to dock in Spain after ‘hellish’ three months at sea | Environment | The Guardian 

Stranded cattle ship ordered to dock in Spain after ‘hellish’ three months at sea

Almost 180 bulls believed to be already dead as campaigners call for surviving animals to be humanely slaughtered on arrival in port

After three months stranded in the Mediterranean, a livestock ship carrying almost 1,800 young bulls has been ordered to dock at the Spanish port of Cartagena.

The Elbeik is expected to arrive in Cartagena this evening, having left the Spanish port of Tarragona in mid-December.

It has been struggling to find a buyer for the cattle after being refused entry by multiple countries, including Turkey and Libya, over fears the animals had a disease called bluetongue.

Sources have told the Guardian almost 180 cattle are now dead, more than double a previous estimate. An MEP has suggested that the “hellish” stress of three months at sea means slaughter on arrival at port is now the most humane option.

Following recent stops near Cyprus and in Greek ports to reprovision, the Elbeik returned to Spanish waters earlier this week, anchoring off the island of Menorca.

Spanish authorities on Tuesday ordered the ship to dock in Cartagena, describing it as the “most suitable port” for the inspection and possible unloading and slaughter of the animals. A source within the ministry of agriculture said the vessel would be inspected by vets once docked.

The return order comes just weeks after Spanish authorities slaughtered more than 850 young bulls in Cartagena from another livestock ship, the Karim Allah. The ship had also left Spain in mid-December and been refused entry to ports in Turkey and elsewhere because of bluetongue fears.

On Wednesday a source close to the Elbeik said the owner of its cattle hoped to arrange blood tests for the animals when the ship arrives in Cartagena. If the results showed them to be free of bluetongue and other diseases, the source said the owner plans to sell the animals “to north Africa”.

The Guardian has been sent a document, apparently signed by the Elbeik’s captain, saying 179 bulls had died at sea, up from a previous estimate of 80 deaths. Another 1,610 animals appeared “normal and healthy”, which it credited to the crew’s good care , but said “lately they have been frustrated due to staying on board” for so long.

The Karim Allah had likewise arranged blood draws and aimed to sell the bulls if they were disease-free, but Spain’s agriculture ministry ordered the bulls to be put down before the blood samples were analysed.

Some MEPs and NGOs have argued that euthanising the bulls in Spain, rather than sending them on another long journey to face possibly less humane slaughter, was a kinder option.

“For more than three months these animals [on the Elbeik] have been on this hellish ride,” said MEP Thomas Waitz, a member of an EU committee examining animal transport issues and European Green party co-chair.

Waitz said the “constant stress” of being at sea, on top of food and water shortages, meant the young bulls were probably in “a dire state” and euthanasia now appeared “the only responsible thing to do”.

Campaigners blame the EU for continuing to allow lengthy export journeys for farm animals and failing to manage problems.

Unexpected problems, said Olga Kikou of Compassion in World Farming, were exacerbated by a failure to make contingency plans for animals facing hold-ups and a lack of clarity over who was responsible for their welfare.

Sign up for the Animals farmed monthly update to get a roundup of the best farming and food stories across the world and keep up with our investigations. You can send us your stories and thoughts at animalsfarmed@theguardian.com

A comment left by Elvera, one of our supporters:

Three months at sea and then likely euthanized. Spain, EU should be ashamed of their indifference to the suffering they have inflicted on these poor creatures. How many more such tragedies have to occur before live transport is banned. Anyone involved in this trade is sick and lacking any moral compass .

We fully agree !

Farm Animals, General News, Live Transport

Togo: Live Animal Transport: Elbeik Still At Sea with 1700 Animals and Over 100 Feared Dead – Expected to Dock In Cartagena, Spain Tonight. ‘Karim Allah’ Killing Team Still In Cartegena. What Happens Later ?

Live animal transport: Elbeik still at sea with 1700 animals | Eurogroup for Animals

Photo – Animal Welfare Foundation

WAV Comment – From our research today (18/3), we understand that the Elbeik is en route to Cartagena in Spain, and will arrive today at about 1900 hours.  As you can read below from AWF, the mobile killing team that was used for the ‘Karim Allah’ is still at Cartagena, so will all the remaining animals on the Elbeik be slaughtered when they arrive there ?

The incidents relating to the ‘Karim Allah’ and the ‘Elbeik’ show without doubt the abuses that the live export business inflicts on live, sentient animals.  The useless EU does nothing as always about the live trade; and so it remains as useless as it always has been.

We hope that both these incidents inflict massive financial losses on all parties involved in what is outright animal abuse and suffering; we have no sympathy for them whatsoever.  If you want to be involved in this business, then expect retribution from the vast majority of people.

They are sick, the operators are sick, the authorities are sick and the EU is definitely sick; it always has been where live animal transport is involved !

Live animal transport: Elbeik still at sea with 1700 animals

16 March 2021

AWF

Three months after its departure the vessel is still wandering around the Mediterranean with no clear destination.

Last Thursday, the Elbeik vessel left Greece heading towards Spain. Since yesterday, it’s anchored in front of Menorca and our member Animal Welfare Foundation got confirmation that there are more than 100 dead animals on board.

Despite the fact that the Greek authorities in Crete provided the vessel with food for the crew and feed for the animals, there are concerns over the conditions of both after 3 months at sea.

Unfortunately the fate of these animals remains unclear: the possibility for them to be exported again to a third country is still there. Indeed, the vessel’s final destination has not yet been indicated. 

Meanwhile, the mobile killing unit, used for the Karim Allah’s animals, is still up in the Spanish port of Cartagena. 

Immediate action is necessary to relieve the animals and the crew. We urge the Spanish authorities to finally step in and put an end to this sad journey.

I crossed over the ‘angry line’ about all this weeks ago – EU top shit – Mark

Farm Animals, General News, Stray Animals

South Korea: Very Positive News To Stop Dog Meat Farms. Korean Government Seeks to Recognize Animals as ‘Living Beings,’ Not ‘Objects’.

WAV Comment – Hats off to all the crew involved in fighting the dog meat campaign in South Korea.  Like live animal transport which we are also fighting and are deeply involved in, we appreciate that these things are never easy to get positive results with.  But, in the end, good always wins over evil, and we see their news as a real positive; it also gives us hope with all our own work – the South Korean Ministry of Justice announced plans recently to amend the civil code to remove animals from the category of ‘property’ and designate a possible third category, in a bid to ensure their basic legal rights.”.  That is excellent news.

We congratulate the team for all their hard work in efforts to change this despicable trade.

Despite things looking more positive with regard the future, it does not mean that campaigning stops; quite the opposite – it must really go on now until victory. 

In the newsletter (link given below at the end of this post), you will find many actions you can continue to take.  Actions which must continue to be taken until this abuse is stopped for once and all.  Please support the fight to get what we now see as a very positive move froward.

Regards Mark

You can view all of our past work in this campaign by visiting:

Search Results for “south korea” – World Animals Voice

BREAKING NEWS

Korean Government seeks to recognize animals as ‘living beings,’ not ‘objects’

Our relentless campaign over the years is starting to pay off. 👍

 

The Korea Times reported on March 16, 2021, “ For a country with around 1.5 million pet owners, Korea’s legal framework for animal protection has been considered relatively weak, leading to low public awareness on animal welfare, and lenient punishment for animal cruelty.

A major reason for this, pointed out by many animal rights activists, is because the civil code defines animals as “objects,” not living beings.

Under the current law, animals are regarded as the property of their human owners, something that can be owned, traded and controlled without any of the basic rights that are given to people.  Therefore, animal abusers often face relatively weak punishment proportional to their level of cruelty, as their sentences are based on the Property Damage Law and Animal Protection Law.

But this may change, as the Ministry of Justice announced plans recently to amend the civil code to legally recognize animals as living entities. 

In response to an increasing number of people who perceive companion animals as part of their family, the ministry said that it will remove animals from the category of property and designate a possible third category, in a bid to ensure their basic legal rights.”

Click here to read the Korean Dogs newsletter online:

https://r.newsletter.koreandogs.org/ajmz1godtht7e.html?utm_source=sendinblue&utm_campaign=__BRAND_NEW_Call_for_Action__BREAKING!!!__Korean_Govt_seeks_to_recognize_animals_as_living_beings_not_objects_!_&utm_medium=email

 

Farm Animals, General News

USA: Nebraska Politician Declares Pro-Meat Day After Colorado Urges Citizens To Eat Plant-Based.

Nebraska Politician Declares Pro-Meat Day After Colorado Urges Citizens To Eat Plant-Based

Nebraska Declares Pro-Meat Day After Colorado Urges Citizens To Eat Vegan | Plant Based News

Meat on the Menu Day is attempting to rival MeatOut Day – which urges citizens to eschew from animal products on March 20

Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts is declaring a pro-meat day in response to Colorado urging its citizens to eat plant-based. 

Colorado Governor Jared Polis recently marked March 20 as a statewide meat-free holiday named MeatOut Day. 

The initiative was founded by Farm Animal Rights Movement (FARM) back in 1985. It aims to ‘educate consumers about the benefits of a healthful, plant-based diet’.

MeatOut Day

“Removing animal products from our diets reduces the risk of various ailments, including heart disease, cancers, and diabetes,” FARM states.

“A plant-based diet helps protect the environment by reducing our carbon footprint, preserving forests, grasslands, and wildlife habitats. It also reduces the pollution of waterways.

“Since MeatOut was launched, more than 35 million Americans have explored a plant-based diet and reduced their consumption of meat, dairy, and eggs. And, major food manufactures and national franchises are marketing more vegan options in response to this growing demand.”

‘A direct attack’

Whilst many commended the move, Ricketts blasted the incentive, claiming it is a ‘direct attack’’ on Nebraska’s ‘way of life’. 

According to The Guardian, he said: “If you were to get rid of beef in our country, you would be undermining our food security, an important part of a healthy diet. And, also destroying an industry here in our state that’s very important.”

Pro-meat day

Moreover, Steve Wellman is Nebraska’s agriculture director. He added: “When agriculture does well, Nebraska does well.

“Agriculture is the heart and soul of Nebraska, and our 45,700 farm and ranch families keep our state going year after year.”

Nebraska is now urging citizens and restaurants to participate in ‘Meat on the Menu Day’ on the same day as ‘MeatOut Day’. 

Environmental, Farm Animals, Fur and Fur Farming, General News

UK: Designers Including Stella McCartney And Vivienne Westwood Urge UK Prime Minister To Ban Fur Sales.

Designers Including Stella McCartney And Vivienne Westwood Urge UK Prime Minister To Ban Fur Sales

‘It’s time for our government to consign the fur trade to the history books where it belongs and ban the sale of fur’

Stella McCartney And Vivienne Westwood Urge UK Government To Ban Fur Sales | Plant Based News

Eight iconic fashion brands including Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood are urging UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson to ban fur sales.

Fur farming was banned in Britain in 2003. But, since then, Britain has imported more than £800 million worth of fur from countries such as Finland, China, and Poland.

Stella McCartney and Vivienne Westwood

Designers Stella McCartney, Vivienne Westwood, Katharine Hamnett, ERDEM, Shrimps, Christopher Raeburn, and Helen Moore are backing Humane Society International’s #FurFreeBritain campaign.

The brands have signed a letter addressing Johnson. It states banning fur sales would ‘enhance the UK’s growing reputation as a global hub for innovation in ethical fashion’. 

Moreover, it reads: “Our fur-free policies are informed by the beliefs and expectations of the majority of UK consumers, who reject animal fur on ethical grounds.

“We’re proud to support the growing fur-free movement… We know that the majority of British consumers want fashion items without fur.”

‘British consumers reject fur’

Claire Bass is the executive director of Humane Society International/UK. In a statement sent to PBN, she said: “By proudly flying the flag for fur-free fashion… These iconic British fashion designers have their fingers on the pulse. 

“They refuse to put cruelty on the catwalk. Because, they know there is nothing glamorous about mentally deprived foxes, anally electrocuted raccoon dogs, COVID-19 infected mink and wild trapped coyotes shot in the head. 

Bass then added: “The vast majority of British consumers reject fur. And, as the revolting cruelty of fur is exposed, a global decline in demand for fur fashion has sent this industry into a downward spiral. 

“Killing animals for fashion does not reflect brand Britain. Even her Majesty the Queen has stopped buying new fur. It’s time for our government to consign the fur trade to the history books where it belongs and ban the sale of fur.”

‘Long-standing no fur policy’

Luxury department store Selfridges has also backed the initiative and signed the letter to Johnson.

Moreover, Daniella Vega is the director of sustainability at Selfridge. She added: “We’re proud of our long-standing no fur policy which has been in place for more than fifteen years. 

“Our customers care about animal welfare and we are committed to providing ethical and sustainable products. 

Vega then concluded: “There are many alternative materials for brands and designers to use. The future is fur-free and we support a ban on the sale of fur in the UK.”

You can read the full letter here

Regards Mark

Farm Animals, General News, Live Transport

England: A Snapshot of the Maritime Livestock Trade – Vessels Currently Shipping Live Animals Around the World. A Disgusting Animal Abuse Issue.

Hi all;

Yesterday, 14/3/21, I reported on the dire situation of the ‘Elbeik’ livestock carrier being at sea for 3 months, and the pitiful situation for the animals carried.  Togo: The ‘Elbeik’ Livestock Carrying Vessel Is STILL At Sea; 3 Months On. Now We Need International Political Action To Permanently Ban All Live Animal Maritime Transport. – World Animals Voice

So today, I wanted to show you that the export of live animals by sea is a common thing all over the world, and considering the situation on the Elbeik, it further supports the need whilst this disgusting trade in sentients needs to stop.

Via certain means at my disposal, I am able to bring you an update of some seaborne livestock carrying vessels which are currently operating globally at this very moment; along with a few other details about them.  Note that most sail under flags of convenience and relate to nations which are not top of the pile when it comes to animal welfare enforcement.  So that is one question about all of this; cheaper operating costs under a flag of convenience; crews who put animals and their welfare as priority ? – two issues why we consider the maritime movement of live animals must stop, and stop now.

Note also the ages of the vessels; which are virtually all conversions (to livestock carriers) from a different type of service in their earlier days.  It just shows the quantity of rust buckets which are now being used to haul livestock all over the planet.  A trade which we do not want; but as you will see below from the quantities , is a big opposition to us in the welfare movement.

Here is what I have found, complete with photos of some vessels.

Regards Mark

PLEASE REMEMBER – This is just a snapshot of the livestock maritime trade at the moment. I could spend more time getting more ships to show you, but feel this is enough for a ‘feel’ to how many are involved.

Latest 1530 GMT 15/3 – I understand the ‘Elbeik’ is around the Menorca (Spanish Islands) region at the moment.

This is a 4 page post – select page number from bottom.

Vessel MIRA

The current position of MIRA is at East Mediterranean.  The vessel is en route to the port of Ashdod (Israel), expected to arrive there on Mar 16, 17:00.

Livestock Carrier built in 1983 (38 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of Comoros (Mozambique).

MIRA photo

Vessel KARAZI

The current position of KARAZI is at East Mediterranean.  The vessel is en route to the port of Tripoli (Libya). 

Livestock Carrier built in 1983 (38 years old) and currently sailing under the flag of Sierra Leone.

KARAZI photo
Pages: 1 2 3 4
Farm Animals, General News

Germany: murder in the Tönnies slaughterhouse-where is the joke?

A fatal dispute has broken out in Germany’s largest slaughterhouse.

A 34-year-old man subsequently died in the hospital. The background is currently still open.

In a dispute between workers at the Tönnies slaughterhouse in North Rhine-Westphalia, a man was killed in front of numerous colleagues on Friday.

According to a joint statement from the police and the public prosecutor’s office, a 35-year-old man injured his colleague (34) with a sharp object at around 7 a.m.

The younger one died in the hospital.
The urgent suspect was arrested. According to the police, the body should be autopsied in the afternoon.

The police set up a homicide commission under the name “Loop”.

A police spokesman did not provide any information about the background to the crime in Rheda-Wiedenbrück (Gütersloh district) with reference to the ongoing investigation.
It also remained open whether the suspect commented on the allegations.

According to Tönnies company spokesman André Vielstädte, the employee “died despite immediate first aid measures in the hospital”.

The incident occurred in a dismantling area (!!!)
Production had to be interrupted for hours in part of the operation for the criminal police to secure evidence.

According to a statement from Tönnies, the employee attacked his colleague with a knife. The police speak of a sharp object.

Managing director André Vielstädte promised the police and the public prosecutor’s office “full support” in the investigation.

Works council member Mustafa Kuyucu was shocked, according to the announcement: “We are sad and stunned by the act. Our condolences and condolences go to the family, friends, and colleagues of our employees. We guarantee the relatives, colleagues, and friends of the victim all the help they need. “

Emergency chaplains took care of the eyewitnesses. The company has set up a hotline that employees can contact.

(Source: https://www.ka-news.de/nachrichten/schlagzeilen/brennpunkte/mord-in-schlachterei-toennies-arbeiter-ersticht-kollegen;art288,2632733)

And I mean…Murder in the slaughterhouse!!!

So far so good, but where can we find the unusual?
It is normal for the killing factory to be brutally murdered every second in this animal industry system.
The only special thing about it: a human-animal was killed, not pigs or cattle, as is usual.

The sick system is now exposed; The murder assembly line is out of order for a few days, because someone is murdered there!
What gallows humor!
Thousands of living beings / Earthlings die every day in the cruelest way, and when a person is hit and suddenly the outcry in all media is great: Justice for the victim!

Sure, these people are victims of the system/society too.
They are exploited and put under pressure here – all power over accommodation, wages, work, and working hours lies in the hands of the manufacturer.

But they are also used to the most brutal violence against other creatures (cattle, pigs).
This case clearly shows who works in this profession. Or how one becomes when he works there.

Whoever cuts the throat of a cattle with a knife and remains deaf when the animal roars, who can slaughter the screaming goat in cold blood – how far is such a person from crime?

Now the alleged murderer is sentenced. When will we finally convict animal killers?

My best regards to all, Venus

Environmental, Farm Animals, General News, Live Transport

Togo: The ‘Elbeik’ Livestock Carrying Vessel Is STILL At Sea; 3 Months On. Now We Need International Political Action To Permanently Ban All Live Animal Maritime Transport.

📸 1967-built livestock carrier ELBEIK... - Shipspotting Istanbul Strait | Facebook

WAV Comment – 14/3/21 – There is something grossly wrong with some people on this planet.  Unfortunately, I have to report to you that the ‘Elbeik’ livestock carrying vessel; loaded with 1,776 young bulls; is still in the Mediterranean sea after 3 months.

As we reported in other posts, the ‘Karim Allah’ which carried 895 young bulls, finally returned to Spain (Cartagena) recently and all the animals carried were slaughtered.  This time it is the 1,776 young bulls that are allegedly infected with bluetongue disease. This has not been confirmed, as no medical examination has been made possible to date. While it can be assumed that the authorities have failed, the health of the animals is believed to be very poor due to the extreme exposure.

With what has / is going on with these 2 vessels; there is an urgent need for international political action.  The two ships alone are representative of a sick system that must change; without even taking into account all the other animal carrying, sea going vessels that are crossing the globe at this present time.

The only way to prevent such catastrophes in the future is a clear ban on the transport of ALL live animals by ship; and we mean all; everywhere, period; not for a few months, but a permanent ban.

Live animal transport of cattle

Picture courtesy of Four Paws International

Three months have passed, during which the 1,776 young bulls on board the ‘Elbeik’ suffered not only from a shortage of water and food, but also from poor ventilation below deck. The vessel, which sails under the Togolese flag, disembarked in the Catalan city of Tarragona in mid-December last year (2020) and was on its way to Libya.

Upon arrival at the port of destination, the local authorities refused to unload the live cargo. The local authorities feared that animals infected with bluetongue were on board, as they came from a region in Spain where there had allegedly been an outbreak of this notifiable disease, Bluetongue, which is spread via insect bites, but is not transmissible to humans.

EU law states that live animals that have already been exported may no longer be re-imported into the EU. However, the fact that the animals have never set a hoof on soil in a third country is disregarded.

As we have always stated on this site, we have no time for the officials at the EU; in our opinion, they are useless at best.  We now put our voice behind the massive international welfare group call for a complete and utter ban on the transport of animals by sea; and a ban on all long distance international transport for animals that are currently transported by road.

We will try to post further updates on this tragic situation when we have more;

Regards Mark.