Investigations by Topics:

13. February 2026

Media focuses on debate about the age of animal transport ships

Several maritime trade media outlets are currently reporting on the debate about the age of cargo ships used for animal transport. We and other animal welfare organizations have been pointing out for years that outdated and technically deficient vessels endanger the lives of animals and crew during transport. We have already published several…

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…

30. January 2026

Public action against animal transport in Athens

[Translate to English:] Iris Baumgärtner erklärt, warum die aktuelle Tiertransportverordnung nicht ausreicht. Im Vordergrund links die Europaabgeordnete Tilly Metz.

At the Syntagma metro station in central Athens, the Greek NGO "A Promise to Animals" organized a public event on live animal transport. In addition to film footage that shows the reality of live animal transport, there was also a panel discussion in which our project manager, Iris Baumgärtner, participated alongside representatives from other…

27. January 2026

Focus on Animal Transport by Sea – Maria Boada Saña Speaks at Conference in Paris

Maria Boada Saña explains why animals transported by sea are not just suffering in isolated cases, but systemically.

Last week, a specialist conference at the Palais du Luxembourg in Paris provided insights into the reality of live animal transport by sea. Our project manager for ship transport, Maria Boada Saña, was there as an expert to highlight the structural causes of animal suffering in live exports by ship.

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…

11. December 2025

Letter to IMO: Together with 35 other organizations, we are calling for urgent international regulations for animal transport vessels

Together with 35 other animal welfare organizations, we are calling on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to finally introduce binding international regulations for animal transport ships. The reason for this is the increasing number of incidents and an aging fleet of animal transport ships. This endangers animals, people, the…

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…