Investigations by country:

25. February 2026

Open letter: Iceland must consistently apply EU law in the horse blood industry

Together with partner organizations, we are calling for the consistent enforcement of EU law in the Icelandic horse blood industry in an open letter. For us, it is clear that blood collection from pregnant mares for PMSG is not a secondary agricultural activity, but a scientific procedure in accordance with the EU/EEA Directive – and must therefore…

23. February 2026

Instead of traveling 9,000 kilometers over land and sea: 164 Danish cattle are flown to Kazakhstan.

[Translate to English:] Die Jungrinder aus Dänemark vor der Abfahrt im Stall in Tschechien.

In November 2025, young Danish heifers were to be transported from Czechia to Kazakhstan on a journey of around 9,000 kilometers—across several countries, by road and sea. We prepared to document one of the longest routes we had ever researched. But the mission took an unexpected turn.

04. February 2026

Controlling animal transports in sub-zero temperatures

These piglets are transported from Denmark to Poland in conditions that are far too cramped.

In sub-zero winter temperatures, we joined forces with French NGO Welfarm to inspect animal transports on a major Polish highway. Our observations once again highlight the problematic conditions faced by many animals on Europe's roads.

01. February 2026

Vessel "Darla" remains in port for the time being – our intervention is having an effect

[Translate to English:] Das Tiertransporschiff "Darla" liegt aktuell in Cartagnea am Hafen. (Archivbild)

On Wednesday, the livestock carrier "Darla" was scheduled to set sail for Algeria with almost 8,000 sheep on board – despite bad weather. Our warning to the authorities has stopped the ship for now, but the case shows once again that current EU regulations for animal transport by sea are inadequate, scientific findings are being ignored, and…

13. January 2026

New Film Exposes the Suffering of Blood Mares in South America

After more than two years of research, we are releasing a new documentary exposing the suffering of blood mares in Uruguay and Argentina. The film reveals the shocking reality faced by pregnant mares on these farms: coercion, panic, untreated injuries, and relentless abuse define their daily existence.

23. December 2025

Action for lambs in Italy

Over the last few days, we have been traveling between Slovenia and Italy to inspect lamb transports. We checked a total of 9 trucks transportig lambs and two trucks transporting bopvines. Apart from minor violations—such as insufficient ceiling height or drinking troughs that are unsuitable for lambs—we did not find any serious abuses. This is a…

28. November 2025

Spiridon II: At least 340 dead animals – survivors unloaded in Libya

The vessel of horror "Spiridon II" anchored in Türkiye (picture from November 10, 2025).

Such a tragedy must never be repeated! We have submitted the signatures to WOAH and are calling for an investigation into the case and a ban on the transport of live animals on the high seas!

 

17. November 2025

The horror vessel returns – Spiridon II on a death course to Uruguay

The Spiridon II is on its way back to Uruguay, with the surviving animals still on board. Very few are likely to survive the crossing.

The animals' suffering continues: after being stuck off the Turkish coast for weeks and not receiving permission to unload, the "Spiridon II" has now set course for Uruguay again. For the nearly 3,000 cattle on board – half of which are pregnant – this means another month crammed onto the ship. Food and water are scarce. Most, if not all, of the…

10. November 2025

Thousands of Cattle Trapped at Sea – Livestock Ship Spiridon II Stuck off the Turkish Coast

The Spiridon on November 9 at the dock in the port of Bandırma.

For over two weeks, the vessel “Spiridon II” with 2,901 cattle from Uruguay on board has been stuck off the Turkish coast. The authorities are refusing to allow the animals to be unloaded because there are discrepancies in their ear tags. The cattle have now been on the ship for a total of more than 50 days. According to a letter from the ship's…