Campaign Launched Against Long Distance Animal Transport
GLOBAL - A global campaign backed by leading animal charities across the world has been launched, calling for an end to the long distance transport of live animals for slaughter.
13 February 2008
2 minute read
The Handle with Care coalition is calling on governments worldwide to bring an end to the trade.
The World Society for the Protection of Animals-led campaign said that although the transport of chilled and frozen meat has been going on for more than 125 years, millions of cattle, pigs, horses and sheep suffer and die while being transported unnecessarily long distances each year just to be slaughtered on arrival.
The campaign highlights what it says are four of the worst routes: sheep from Australia to the Middle East, cattle from Brazil to Lebanon, horses from Spain to Italy and Pigs from Canada to Hawaii.
Undercover footage filmed over two years by a global coalition of animal welfare groups has been released showing the conditions for transporting animals long distances.
WSPA’s Paul Rainger said: "The cruelty these animals endure is completely unacceptable in the 21st century. This trade is one in which millions of animals suffer cruel and unnecessary journeys each year. It must stop."
The coalition includes all the leading UK-based animal welfare charities: the World Society for the Protection of Animals, Compassion in World Farming, the RSPCA and the International League for the Protection of Horses.
World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) Campaigns Director Leah Garcés said: "British people are growing increasingly concerned with the way animals are treated and I am sure they will be horrified by the cruelty and suffering that can clearly be seen in this new undercover film."
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