Live Animal Transport in Extreme Heat in Europe

In the face of heatwaves across Europe, animals are being exposed to extreme temperatures, particularly when transported by road or sea.

A new investigation found that animals were transported at temperatures exceeding 45° without water and left in the scorching sun in Italy, while another investigation examined the problem of dead animals being thrown overboard from export ships into the Mediterranean.

A recently conducted investigation by Essere Animali monitoring animal transports on Italian motorways found that some animals are being transported in trucks with internal temperatures of up to 48 degrees.

The photos and footage show pigs gasping for air with no access to water. In one case, animals were left in a truck for an extended period under the blazing sun with fans turned off while drivers took their break. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. The welfare of animals during transport remains woefully inadequately protected under European legislation. According to the regulations, animals should be protected from “extreme temperatures,” but there are no clear definitions and no enforcement.

Furthermore, domestic transport is exempt from this rule. Essere Animali, together with Eurogroup for Animals, is calling for a ban on long-distance live animal transport and the introduction of clear temperature regulations that take into account humidity and the condition of the animals.

Animals Washed Ashore on Beaches

Demand for exports to third countries has risen sharply. EU member states export approximately three million animals by sea to distant countries, which poses a significant risk to the animals as mortality rates increase.

Animals that have died are treated like unwanted waste and disposed of in the Mediterranean Sea. This is not only completely callous, but also increases pollution and the risk of shark attacks at numerous tourist hotspots along Mediterranean beaches.

In more than 50 media-documented cases, dead and discarded animals from livestock transport ships have washed ashore, including in France, Spain, Greece, Israel and Portugal.

You can help all animals and our planet with compassion. Choose empathy on your plate and in your glass. Go vegan.