On 31 October, FVE released a press release to underline the urgent need to respect the welfare of animals during transport, update the existing legislation and enhance cross-border collaboration in response to several incidents at the Bulgarian-Turkish border, with heavily pregnant heifers being blocked entry in Turkey over disease concerns, and, upon their attempted return into the EU, Bulgarian authorities refusing re-entry. The cows as a result face prolonged deprivation of food, water, and veterinary care – a situation which led to horrific conditions before some passed away while others were killed without stunning. These repeated tragedies highlight systemic failure in cross-border animal transport regulations that are causing severe animal suffering and risking animal welfare standards across the EU.
EASVO supports FVE reiterating its longstanding call to urgently revise Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005 to uphold fundamental animal welfare standards and provide a humane framework for animal transport.
For more information: FVE Press Release and Politico Article
