Export of EU live animals to Turkey must end now

Posted on 31/01/2012

Clear evidence shows that animals transported from the EU to Turkey are subjected to horrific conditions at the border between Bulgaria and Turkey. Despite this fact, the welfare of these animals is continuously ignored by the competent authorities and Eurogroup urges the European Commission to take the necessary steps to suspend this inhumane trade immediately.

Recent investigations carried out by European animal welfare organisations reveal that far too many livestock trucks remain in breach of one or more requirements of EU Regulation 1/2005 on the protection of animals during transport, often resulting in extreme animal suffering. Investigators most often report cases of severe overcrowding, insufficient headroom, inadequate ventilation and insufficient water, due in part to lengthy delays at the border between EU and Turkey, they also lately discovered a consignment of pregnant sheep giving birth in transit. Despite these facts, the trucks are still being approved by Member State authorities for export and let through by the EU inspectors at the Bulgarian exit point.

It is high time that the European Commission faces up this sad reality and responds in the only responsible way by ending EU live animal export to Turkey. The welfare of these animals cannot be guaranteed, despite numerous reported cases and warning signs made it is now time to act.