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The export of animals from the EU to non-EU countries involves many actors. The complexity makes it difficult to ensure the application of animal welfare rules, and creates risks for the welfare of the animals.
A report by the European Commission analyzed the degree of compliance with existing legal provisions and the impact -or possible impact - of non-compliance on the welfare of the animals.
High temperatures are the main cause of animals suffering on their journey. This is due to the absence of cooling systems in livestock vehicles. The absence of facilities to care properly for animals and long administrative procedures, in particular at the Turkish side of the border with Bulgaria, creates a high risk for the welfare of animals.
The main concerns for the welfare of the animals relate to the non-EU leg of the journey. Official data indicates a very high level of compliance with transport rules when vehicles are in the EU territory; however, most transporters do not meet applicable EU rules when they leave the Union.
The absence of agreements with EU neighbouring countries, together with poor retrospective checks and the inability of Member States to ascertain the conditions of transport and the feasibility of the plan for that part of the journey, contribute to welfare concerns.
February 7, 2020/ European Comission/ EU.
https://ec.europa.eu/
