Vienna, 17 October 2024 - Following four weeks of waiting and suffering at the Bulgarian-Turkish border, the journey of the pregnant cattle, originally exported from Brandenburg in Germany, came to a tragic end.

Although the cattle tested negative for bluetongue disease, a database error led to a prolonged confinement at the border with horrifying consequences: Standing ankle-deep in their own excrement, with no chance to rest from their exhausting experience, some animals were forced to give birth in appalling and unsanitary conditions. Left by themselves with no access to veterinary care to support them in this critical situation, some calves were stillborn, according to the NGOs Animal Welfare Foundation and Animals Angels.

“Weakened mother cows standing next to their dead calf- this is the haunting image connected to the stopped cattle transport in Turkey. With no way out, their fate depended on the decision of national authorities. The wait took a toll on the animals: some died inside the trucks, others that survived the wait at the border died shortly afterwards in Turkish slaughterhouses. Animal transports to third countries have to stop.

The Turkish case proves that farm animals born and raised in the European Union are treated as mere commodities during transports. Shipped across Europe and to third countries, they endure long journeys on trucks and ships which last days and sometimes weeks. Continuous stress and pain shape the short lives of these animals. Many die helplessly in overcrowded and unsanitary trucks, or ships with lack of water, food and veterinarian care. These tragedies must end. We urge the European Parliament and Member States to address the gaps in the current legislation on animal transports, promote stricter sanctions and amend the EU Commission’s proposal to guarantee the welfare of animals during transport," Corinna Reinisch, Programme Lead for Farm Animal Welfare at FOUR PAWS.