50,000 Signatures Against Animal Transport to War Zones Submitted

On the international day of action “Ban Live Exports Day,” we joined forces with partner organizations to submit nearly 50,000 signatures to the European Commission opposing the transport of animals to crisis and war zones. We are calling for an end to the export of live animals to crisis zones and a ban on long-distance transport by truck and ship to third countries.

Every year, the EU transports millions of animals over long distances to third countries. The animals often spend days or even weeks on trucks and ships. These transports cause massive stress, exhaustion, and suffering. The situation becomes particularly dire when the routes pass through regions affected by war or political instability.

A recent incident off the coast of Oman highlights the additional risks of such transports. A livestock transport ship sank there after reportedly being struck by a bomb or a drone. Approximately 4,000 sheep and goats died in the accident.

EU law states that animals may only be transported if their welfare can be safeguarded throughout the journey and they are not expected to be exposed to injury or unnecessary suffering. We, along with other animal welfare organisations, believe that these requirements cannot be met when transports pass through active conflict zones. Despite this, EU member states continue to authorize shipments to the region. Since the escalation of the conflict in the Middle East in February 2026, more than 50 consignments of live animals have been exported from EU ports to destinations including Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Somalia.

50,000 People Demand an End to the Transports

Together with the French animal welfare organization Welfarm, we submitted the petition in Brussels and handed it over to the European Commission. Approximately 50,000 people support the demand for an immediate halt to animal transports to crisis zones.

Before submitting the petition, we and 25 other animal welfare organizations had already urged the European Commission to instruct member states to suspend these exports immediately. In its reply, however, the Commission maintained that the current legal framework does not allow it to impose a general export ban and argued that decisions on suspending transports remain the responsibility of the individual member states. We therefore welcomed the opportunity to discuss the issue directly with Commission officials. Unfortunately, they reiterated the Commission's reply and did not announce any concrete measures.

Ban Live Exports Day Sends a Political Message

As part of the day of action, many organizations also joined forces and wrote to their World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) representatives. In our case, that was Dr. Katharina Kluge, Germany’s Chief Veterinary Officer. As a German delegate to the WOAH, she is involved in developing new recommendations for the transport of animals. We asked her to advocate at the WOAH for the following: 

• stricter regulations for livestock transport vessels
• mandatory contingency plans in the event of delays or import refusals
• veterinarians on board during long sea voyages
• better protection for particularly vulnerable animals such as calves, pregnant animals, and culled dairy cows

You can find our letter to Mrs. Kluge here. 

Every year, “Ban Live Exports Day” draws international attention to the reality of animal transport. It highlights a problem that often remains hidden but affects millions of animals. This year, 135 organizations joined forces to advocate for a ban on live animal exports at the WOAH. You can find the joint letter, which we also signed, here.