By StopTheTrucks 
Each year, millions of animals are transported alive across the European Union and beyond. Despite regulations in place, serious concerns about animal welfare during transport remain. In 2025, EU reforms aim to address this issue. But do they go far enough to stop suffering and improve conditions for transported animals?
This article looks at the new regulations, their impact, and what challenges still exist for animals on the move.
Current State of Animal Transport
Live animal transport continues to be common in the EU. Cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and poultry are moved for breeding, sale, or slaughter. Many journeys last several days, with animals facing long hours in confined spaces, heat, cold, hunger, and dehydration.
The EU Animal Transport Regulation (Council Regulation (EC) No 1/2005) set basic welfare standards. However, investigations and reports from NGOs still reveal frequent violations. Animals often travel in poor conditions, and rules are not always enforced.
What Has Changed in 2025?
Following growing public pressure and repeated calls from member states like Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden, the European Commission introduced new reforms in early 2025. These changes aim to:
- Reduce maximum travel times: Now capped at 8 hours for mammals and 4 hours for poultry.
- Improve enforcement: New tools help national authorities track journeys and penalise violations.
- Mandate better vehicle standards: Trucks must now include temperature control and GPS monitoring.
- Restrict live exports outside the EU: Stricter approval is needed for non-EU destinations.
Are the Reforms Working?
The reforms are a step forward, but experts say enforcement remains a weak point. While legal time limits exist, many journeys still exceed them. Border checks are still inconsistent. Some member states lack resources or will to enforce the rules.
Animal welfare organisations report ongoing problems, especially at exit points such as the Bulgarian and Romanian borders. These regions remain known for weak enforcement and poor infrastructure.
Why the Problem Persists
Economic Pressures
Live animal transport is cheaper than processing meat locally in some cases. Transport companies and producers often choose long-distance travel to lower costs.
Enforcement Gaps
Even with new rules, enforcement depends on each member state. Some countries apply rules strictly, while others do not, creating loopholes.
Weak Penalties
In many regions, penalties for violating animal transport rules are too small to act as a deterrent. Fines are low compared to profits from trade.
What Experts Recommend
Animal rights groups, veterinary associations, and EU committees continue to push for:
- A full ban on long-distance live animal transport.
- A shift to transport of meat, carcasses, or genetic material instead.
- Stronger penalties for companies breaking rules.
- More funding for enforcement and inspection at borders.
Public Opinion Is Shifting
More EU citizens are aware of animal suffering during transport. Campaigns such as #StopTheTrucks have gathered hundreds of thousands of signatures. This public pressure led to the 2025 reforms and continues to push for stronger action.
In recent surveys, over 70% of Europeans support reducing or banning live animal exports. Public awareness and activism remain key drivers of political change.
Alternatives to Live Transport
Several alternatives are available:
- Local slaughter and meat transport: Reduces animal stress and improves meat hygiene.
- Mobile slaughter units: Allow animals to be slaughtered close to farms.
- Genetic trade: In breeding, using semen or embryos instead of live animals can lower welfare risks.
More support is needed to scale these alternatives across the EU.
What You Can Do
Consumers, farmers, and citizens all have roles to play:
- Choose local products that avoid long animal transport.
- Support campaigns calling for stronger animal transport rules.
- Ask politicians in your country to prioritise animal welfare.
- Encourage local meat processing to keep transport times short.
The EU reforms in 2025 are an improvement, but problems remain. Enforcement is weak, and millions of animals still face long and painful journeys. Real change will require stronger laws, better oversight, and a shift in trade practices.
Moving away from live transport toward local processing and genetic material trade could offer a long-term solution. Until then, continued pressure from citizens and experts is essential to push reforms further.