In 2003-2004, the debate surrounding the adoption of the new EU live animal transport legislation opposed two visions. On the one hand, animal welfare organisations stated that the appalling condition of animals during transport required the EU to adopt stricter rules. On the other hand, the farming and transport industry argued that what was really needed was just a better enforcement of the existing rules.

The EU chose to ignore the voice of animal welfare organisations. It came up with a few minimal elements and its commitment to ensure that the existing transport rules would finally be respected.

A few months latter, everything shows the condition of animals in transport has not improved.

Eurogroup for Animals, Compassion in World Farming and Animals Angels showed new evidence that outrageous animal suffering during transport happens every day in the EU. This includes a disturbing video showing injured animals lifted by cranes or pushed by caterpillars, frequent beating of exhausted animals and indifference to pain... Images which speak for themselves.

Contrary to the rhetoric on transparency and consumer information, the shocking reality is still largely hidden to EU citizens, who still do not really know the truth about what they have in their plate.