Every year millions of farm animals including calves and sheep are transported all over Europe for further fattening and slaughter. Many suffer from stress, exhaustion, thirst and rough handling.

The port of Ramsgate is the main ferry port to facilitate this trade from the UK, yet they lack appropriate facilities or inspections. Animals are often crammed into trucks on roads for hours before being loaded onto an unsuitable ferry originally built as a river tank carrier. Animals as young as two weeks old may be forced to endure this gruelling journey, before heading for conditions illegal in this country.

Across the EU animals such as chickens, cattle, pigs, horses and goats are also transported long distances for slaughter, journey’s sometimes lasting days. Urgent action is needed to ensure EU regulations protect the welfare of these billions of farm animals.

We want to see:

• An end to long-distance transport of live animals in favour of a ‘carcass-only’ trade.
• A maximum eight-hour journey time for all animals travelling for slaughter or 'further fattening' across the EU.
• Amendments to existing legislation that allow ports to refuse the cruel trade in live animals .
• While the trade continues, that there is full adherence to current laws and enforcement agencies effectively minimise the suffering of the animals.

We believe all animals should be slaughtered close to the point of production. For many years we've been calling for the replacement of long-distance transportation of livestock for slaughter with a 'carcass only' trade.

We believe the frequency and duration of all live animal transport, whether for slaughter, further fattening or breeding, should be minimised and that conditions during travel should be as good as possible, with animal welfare looked after by properly trained, caring staff.  

Please support our campaign to Stop the Trucks