A new EU survey, commissioned by Eurogroup for Animals,essereanimali and LAV, reveals that Italians are among the most sensitive citizens to animal welfare during transport, with 90% expressing strong concern, well above the European average of 82%. The data will be presented to the European Parliament on Thursday and confirms how the suffering of traveling animals is an issue felt by public opinion.
The survey, conducted in nine countries including Italy, France, Spain and Poland, shows that 80% of those interviewed consider long-distance travel to cause suffering, especially for fragile animals such as those who are not weaned or pregnant. Over 84% say they favor stricter rules for the protection of animals, including limitations or bans on transport in prohibitive conditions.
Risks and extreme conditions during transport
Animals often face long journeys on trucks or cargo ships, where a lack of adequate space, water and rest causes stress, dehydration and sometimes death. Extreme temperatures, which in some cases reach 50 degrees, represent a further risk, as documented by various field investigations conducted by Italian associations. Particular attention is required for piglets from Denmark or lambs from Romania, Italian destinations that involve very long and tiring journeys.
According to the organisations, the growing sensitivity of citizens is not limited to mere concern: many declare themselves willing to bear higher costs as long as transport conditions improve. Furthermore, 72% fear that any regulatory changes could weaken current protections, supporting the need for more stringent laws at national and European level.
Towards European reform
The moment is crucial: the European Parliament is reviewing the Regulation on the transport of live animals. The current proposals include some changes that could compromise the effectiveness of the protection measures, according to the associations. The objective of the organizations promoting the survey is clear: to reduce the transport of live animals and encourage the transport of meat and carcasses, thus reducing animal suffering.
Over 12,000 citizens have already written to MEPs to ask for concrete interventions, with the petition available to sign here. The Ère Animali and LAV associations underline how essential it is to recognize that farmed animals are not goods, but sentient beings, and to adopt ambitious reforms for real protection during transport and in food production.
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