Published 15/06/2019

This week, supporters of leading farm animal welfare charity, Compassion in World Farming took global action to raise awareness of long-distance transport.

Over 150 actions took place in 43 countries to demonstrate opposition to this horrific trade. People across the globe have spoken up for the millions of animals that suffer in long distance transportation.

Every year, tens of thousands of UK farm animals are forced to travel for hundreds, sometimes thousands of miles for fattening or slaughter. They routinely experience pain, stress, overcrowding, exhaustion and dehydration. Some even die in these horrific conditions. A recent undercover investigation released by Compassion revealed the horrific suffering these animals are subjected to.

Many famous faces lent their support to the day, including Downton Abbey actor and animal activist Peter Egan, who said: “Thousands of British farm animals face long and gruelling journeys overseas for fattening or slaughter each year, enduring unimaginable suffering. The more we can expose the abysmal conditions and treatment these animals are facing the harder it is to ignore.

 “Too many animals have been forced to suffer these intolerable journeys for too long and urgent action must be taken now to stop this cruel, outdated trade.”

In the UK three flagship events were held across the week, as part of Compassion’s Stop Live Transport campaign.

Starting in Edinburgh on 12^th June, a truck grafittied with the slogan ‘Trucking Hell’ travelled to Ramsgate port for a second event on the 13th. This journey highlighted the gruelling 468-mile route endured by young, unweaned calves exported from Britain.

The UK week of action ended in Hyde Park on 14^th June – the official date of Stop Live Transport: International Day of Awareness. Over 350 supporters, MPs, likeminded organisations and speakers joined the protest. Harrowing investigation footage of a recent calf export was shown to the crowd on a digital advertising truck. Footage of the previous two days’ activities was also screened.

Sophie Peutrill, Campaigns Officer at Compassion in World Farming, said: “It’s time for the Government to take action and enforce a UK-wide ban on live exports for slaughter and further fattening. It is simply inhumane for animals to be transported on such long journeys without enough food, water or space. Many are injured and even die before reaching their final destination.

 “Our truck highlighted a small part of these awful journeys and showed the public how urgently we need to end what quite literally is ‘Trucking Hell’ for thousands of British farm animals.

 At Compassion we’re working tirelessly to raise awareness of the horrors of this cruelty and ultimately end this unnecessary, outdated trade.”

To find out more about the Stop Live Transport Campaign here.