Cruelty to animals in court
We have been fighting in court for five years on behalf of 181 Lithuanian calves. The animals had been transported under cruel conditions in 2019. Together with the authorities, we stopped the transport and reported it. The subsequent verdict was disappointing and we appealed. The appeal was due to be heard in February 2025, but we were disappointed again. We are now awaiting a new court date and will continue to fight for justice for these poor animals.
Every year, millions of animals suffer on long journeys across Europe and beyond. Far too often we see injured, weakened or even dead animals in completely untenable conditions. We are committed to ensuring that this cruelty to animals does not go unpunished - even in court!
The scandalous transport: 181 calves and their immeasurable suffering
In 2019, we worked with the authorities in Poland to stop a particularly cruel animal transport. 181 young calves, waste products of the dairy industry from Lithuania, were on their way to Israel, 4500 kilometers away. The conditions on board the transporter were appalling:
The animals were crammed so tightly together that they could hardly move.
The air was stuffy and they found it difficult to breathe.
Their bodies were smeared with feces.
Many of the calves were completely exhausted, three of them already dead.
The youngest calf was just two months old.
Under these conditions, the transport company wanted to drive another 19 hours to the port in Slovenia to load the animals onto a ship. We could not allow this! Together with the relevant authorities, we stopped the transport and reported the company. This started a lengthy legal dispute that continues to this day.
A shocking verdict
Five years later, the verdict finally came - and it was a scandal! The transport company went unpunished. Only the drivers, who only carried out the orders of their superiors, received small fines and conditional prison sentences.
This shows once again that animals are worth nothing to the justice system. But for us, every life is valuable! That is why we have not accepted the verdict and have lodged an appeal.
Disappointment in Gliwice - but we won't give up!
The date for the appeal trial in Gliwice (Poland) was set for February 28, 2025. But we were bitterly disappointed!
Our lawyer, the opposing lawyer and the public prosecutor were there on time - only to be told that an additional oral expert opinion was required. This could also have been obtained in a non-public session!
The result: even more lost time and additional costs. But we will not be discouraged! With renewed strength and determination, we will continue to fight for justice for the calves and against the brutal exploitation of animals.
This legal battle is costing us a lot - time, energy and financial resources. But even though we are very disappointed that the trial has been postponed, we are not giving up now! We will fight for justice with all the more strength and motivation!
How you can help
Help us with a donation using the note ‘animal transports’
