Investigations by country:

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…

14. June 2025

#BanLiveExports Day - Animals Don't Belong on Vessels

In May, we returned to the port of Cartagena to document animal transports on site. During our investigation, we saw countless trucks arriving at the port, loaded with thousands of frightened lambs that had already endured an agonising journey in overcrowded transporters, without sufficient space, water or rest breaks. In the scorching heat, many…

03. March 2025

Animals suffering at the port of Cartagena

Last week, our team uncovered another case of animal cruelty at the port of Cartagena. 120 young calves, which had come to Spain from countries such as Hungary, the Czech Republic, Ireland and Slovakia as remnants of the dairy industry, were left standing in the scorching sun at the port of Cartagena for ten hours.

08. August 2024

Investigation: Port of Cartagena

[Translate to English:] Bullen auf an der Tankstelle abgestellten Lkws in der prallen Sonne. Copyright: Animal Welfare Foundation & Sea Shepherd France

May 30 and 31, 2024

While part of the team restocks supplies for the "Walrus"* to continue the investigation at sea, others take the opportunity to observe the activities around the port of Cartagena. The area is bustling with activity. Not far from the port entrance, we find trucks loaded with cattle parked under the blazing sun. The fans are…

12. March 2024

Animal Transport Inspection: Training in Spain

We trained local authorities in Reus, Catalonia (Spain). Local police and veterinarians were further educated by our veterinarians Tea and Maria on inspecting animal transports. The collaboration with the authorities is a great benefit for all parties: only through this can officials and veterinarians pay attention to the crucial details in animal…

08. March 2024

Training on Animal Transport Inspections in Reus: Theory and Practice in Catalonia

07.03.2024 | Catalonia Spain | Reus

The training is divided in two parts. The first day is dedicated to learning on how to inspect the truck for the purpose of issuing the authorization to transport animals. 33 veterinarians and rural policeman attended the training. A German retired police officer with many years of experience on inspecting the…

22. June 2023

Investigation in Cartagena: Spain's live export industry by sea

Pole biting: A sign of thirst. In sweltering heat, these animals are loaded onto the ATLANTIC ROSE from the truck.

For years, we have been documenting the cruel conditions of live exports of European animals to third countries via sea from the Spanish port of Cartagena. In the second half of June, we documented together with our partner organisations Welfarm and Animals International, the loading of sheep once again. The animals were loaded onto the vessels…

15. June 2023

Investigation in Cartagena: Spain's live export industry by sea

Investigation in Cartagena: Spain's live export industry by sea

Since 2018, we have been documenting the cruel conditions of live exports of European animals to third countries via sea from the Spanish port of Cartagena. In the first half of June, we documented, the loading of cattle and sheep once again. The animals were loaded onto the vessels…

14. March 2023

Ferdinand: Failure of the competent authorities to protect animals during transport

Ferdinand, Summer 2020.

Drei Jahre ist es her, dass der Jungbulle Ferdinand im Hafen von Cartagena, Spanien, schwer misshandelt wurde. Der Fall Ferdinand kam nur ans Licht, weil unsere Teams einschritten. Einer der wenigen Fälle, die bei Tierschutzverbrechen überhaupt vor Gericht verhandelt wurden.