Published 16/08/2016

The first ever global day of action against long distance live animal transport, Animals are Not Freight, will take place on August 29th 2016.

The day will see hundreds of campaigners across the globe from over 30 countries uniting to take action against the live export trade. It marks 20 years since world’s worst live export disaster, when nearly 70,000 sheep burned or drowned to death as the ship carrying them, the MV Uniceb, burst into flames in the Indian Ocean and sank.

Twenty-eight organisations around the world are joining ranks for the day to host rallies, marches and talks - from London to Paris and Tel Aviv to Sydney.

Downton Abbey star and animal welfare activist Peter Egan has helped to promote the day of action by starring in a short online film.

In London, a peaceful protest is being held on Parliament Square at 12:30pm. There will be a line-up of speakers and activities to demonstrate why the trade needs to be stopped. Keith Taylor MEP, the Green Party's Animals spokesperson and speaker at the protest, said:

"It is a privilege to join forces with so many passionate campaigners as we take this fight right to the Government's doorstep. Live exports is a barbaric industry that must be completely abolished. As a Member of the European Parliament, I have written to the new UK Minister for Animals, Lord Gardiner, urging him to support the Europe-wide Stop The Trucks campaign. The campaign will mount a fresh call from national governments to amend European regulations to stamp out this inhumane practice."

Millions of animals are transported long distances in cramped conditions every year, causing horrific levels of suffering. They often die before the end of the journey, or face cruel slaughter methods at their destination. The trade of live animals is unnecessary as it could feasibly be replaced with a trade in meat.

Philip Lymbery, Compassion in World Farming’s CEO, said: “I am honoured to be uniting with so many worthy organisations to fight for farm animals on this global day of action. This cruel trade is outdated and has no place in today’s world.”

A world map detailing all the events taking place across the globe can be viewed at www.notfreight.org.

ENDS