Deficiencies in global animal transportation regulations

Updating transportation regulations based on the latest scientific knowledge would be a significant step toward enhancing animal welfare in this process, aligning industry practices with prevailing social values.

The research team reviewed recent and proposed changes in regulations, not yet enacted into law, as well as various options under consideration. Dr. Ben Lecorps, co-author and professor of Animal Welfare at the University of Bristol’s Veterinary School, concludes that current regulations are insufficient to ensure alignment with desired objectives. He highlights that the analyzed countries do not provide adequate protection to livestock during journeys, as critical risk factors, such as excessively long trips or exposure to heat, are not adequately addressed.

Dr. Eugénie Duval, co-author and professor at the University of Essex Law School, suggests that, while some regulations may not necessarily reflect the latest scientific evidence, some are more specific than others. She proposes that regulations could be improved by combining positive aspects from different regulatory frameworks, such as Canada’s fitness for transport and the EU’s specific temperature thresholds for vehicles, along with proposals from some countries, like the ban on exporting outside the EU borders. This could represent a significant advancement in preserving animal welfare during transportation.