Protests in Vienna: Stop the horror of live animal transport!

Protests in Vienna: Stop the horror of live animal transport!

On June 14, 2025, the International Day Against Animal Transport will be celebrated for the tenth time. This day, also known as #BanLiveExports International Awareness Day, aims to draw attention to the grievances in international live animal transport by ship. As ots.at reports, numerous organizations around the world are demonstrating to protest against the transport of live animals to third countries. Austrian animals, especially cattle, are also affected by these transports.

Transport is usually initially carried out by truck to a European port. There the animal is shipped as a live animal to its destination country. In view of the large number of animals that suffer in this context, the ASSOCIATION AGAINST TIERFABRIKEN (VGT) is calling for a strict new EU animal transport regulation. The VGT will take part in the demonstrations with protests throughout Austria and is planning, among other things, a media campaign in Vienna.

Protests and information campaigns

On June 13, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., VGT activists will ride along Mariahilfer Straße with an animal transport bicycle trailer loaded with stuffed animals. This campaign is intended to sensitize passers-by and inform them about the problem of international live animal exports. The right-wing and conservative majority in the EU Parliament is currently blocking necessary improvements for animals during transport, which further underlines the urgency of the protests.

A new animal transport regulation is currently being negotiated at EU level. This should contain clear guidelines and responsibilities for the transport of live vertebrates. As bmel.de explains, the responsibility for the welfare of the animals lies with everyone involved in the transport, be it transport companies, organizers or animal owners. Specific evidence and training is required to comply with legislation, particularly for long-distance transport over 8 hours.

Challenges of animal protection

EU regulations, which came into force on January 5, 2007, contain stricter rules for journeys over 8 hours, such as temperature controls and access to water. However, there are numerous challenges as the transport of certain animals, such as very young or pregnant animals in the final stages of pregnancy, is prohibited but is often not adequately monitored.

The issue of animal welfare is part of a broader discussion about animal welfare within the EU. According to europarl.eu, there are numerous legal frameworks to ensure animal protection in the EU, which also include the protection of wild species or better fishing methods. These efforts are an integral part of the EU Green Deal and aim to promote animal welfare in all sectors, including animal transport.

Through the actions of the VGT and the international community, the International Day Against Animal Transport receives an important platform to point out the need to reform animal transport regulations and thus improve the welfare of animals.