Dear
Long distance transport of live animals
The signatories of this letter are pleased that the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) is revising its recommendations on the transport of animals.
We therefore call on you, and all stakeholders, to consider the benefits of using this current revision as a critical opportunity to bring the long-distance transport of live animals to an end. Indeed, this is recognised in principle by the current Terrestrial Animal Health Code and the latest draft for consolidated Chapter 7.2 stating that:
“Longer journeys increase risks to animal welfare.” and recommending that “Journeys should be kept as short as possible.”
We urge that these principles underscore the revisions made for the transport of live animals, alongside the growing evidence of animal welfare science that the long-distance transport of live farmed animals causes pain and suffering.
We respectfully urge WOAH and its members to strengthen the guidance and enforcement in a manner that further improves animal welfare, reduces disease risk and ends the transport of animals to conflict-affected regions and regions that repeatedly fail to enforce animal welfare legislation.
Such revisions should be an urgent step towards ending the long-distance transport of live farmed animals and replacing it with the transport of carcasses, meat, milk powder and genetic material.
Your Sincerely,
[NAAM]
[LAND]
