Over the past years, FVE has been actively engaged in shaping and improving the regulations surrounding the transport of animals, including key actions and positions FVE has taken to ensure that animal welfare remains a priority across Europe.
In response to the legislative proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on the protection of animals during transport and related operations, the European Parliament’s agriculture and transport committees have tabled over 3,000 amendments to the Commission’s proposed text.
FVE urges Members of the European Parliament to support amendments that strengthen welfare and reject those that dilute protections. Read the full document HERE.
Main Priorities
1. Stronger protection for vulnerable animals
Young, elderly, pregnant or otherwise fragile animals are at higher risk during transport. Updated safeguards are needed to prevent unnecessary suffering, disease spread and excessive antibiotic use.
2. Science-based journey times
Longer journeys increase stress and risk. Journey times must reflect scientific evidence and continue to include loading and unloading, as confirmed by EU case law.
3. Updated space allowances
Modern genetics and hotter climates mean animals need more space to thermoregulate, rest and move safely. Current allowances are outdated.
4. Risk-based veterinary supervision
Veterinary checks at loading and unloading are essential to ensure only fit animals are transported and to prevent welfare failures once a journey is underway.
5. Stricter rules for sea transport
Until long sea journeys are phased out, vessels must be better regulated, inspected and equipped, with clear responsibilities and proper veterinary oversight.
6. Safer transport to third countries
Journeys outside the EU require strict conditions, pre-approved destinations and enforceable welfare guarantees, in line with ECJ rulings ensuring protection until final destination.
7. Welfare indicators for real monitoring
Simple, objective indicators recorded in TRACES can improve enforcement, highlight problems early and drive continual improvement.
8. Temperature control and heat-stress prevention
Transport must be adapted to climate conditions. Vehicles should maintain 5–25°C, use onboard monitoring, and avoid authorisation when extreme temperatures are predictable.
9. Effective sanctions and enforcement
Penalties must be harmonised across Member States to prevent welfare-shopping and ensure serious infringements have real consequences.
10. Shifting toward carcass and product transport
Reducing long-distance live animal transport should be a long-term goal, supported by an EU action plan.
11. A modern, consistent TRACES system
A unified, digital, user-friendly TRACES is essential for transparent oversight, real-time monitoring, and consistent authorisations across the EU.
12. Keeping delegated powers
Delegated acts allow rules to keep pace with science and technology. Weakening these powers risks locking the system into outdated standards.
13. Clear scope, definitions and One Health alignment
Robust definitions and inclusion of One Health principles are vital to ensure consistent interpretation, avoid loopholes and reduce disease risks.
Previous Key Positions:
- FVE and EASVO Call for Risk-Based Supervision of Animal Loading During Transport (2025). The statement responds to Article 17(2) of the proposed new EU Regulation on the protection of animals during transport. Read the statement HERE.
- FVE’s detailed comments on the legislative proposal for a REGULATION OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL on the protection of animals during transport and related operations (2024). For a detailed overview of FVE’s comments on the proposal, you can read the full document here.
- FVE Welcomes EU Proposals (2023) FVE applauded the European Commission’s proposals to improve animal welfare, specifically in transport and the traceability of dogs and cats. The proposed regulation intends to update outdated rules, with significant improvements such as limiting journey times and setting strict temperature limits during transport. Read more.
- FVE’s 10 Points on Transport Regulation (2022) At the June 2022 General Assembly, FVE adopted a list of 10 key points aimed at revising the Transport Regulation. These recommendations focus on balancing animal welfare, climate goals, and the economic sustainability of farming in Europe. Read more
- Transport of Calves (2021) FVE endorsed a position paper by German veterinary bodies, which highlights that calves under 4 weeks should not be transported, and unweaned calves from 5 weeks old should not be transported on long journeys (>8 hours). Read more.
- Long Distance Transport Concerns (2019) FVE has consistently emphasized the need to respect existing laws to prevent animal suffering during long-distance transports, particularly during hot weather. Read more.
- FVE Calls for Better Welfare During Animal Transport (2018) FVE expressed serious concerns about the welfare of animals during long-distance transport and export. Emphasizing the need for strict implementation and adherence to agreed standards, FVE highlighted the urgency of improving welfare during transport, particularly in light of ongoing issues. Read more.
