A new survey shows that most people in the EU are worried about how animals are treated during transport.
More than 80% of the people who took part said they want stricter rules to protect animals when they are moved over long distances.
The survey was done in nine EU countries: Belgium, Cyprus, France, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Portugal, Romania and Spain.
It asked over 8,500 adults how they feel about live animal transport. Many said they are deeply concerned about the suffering of animals during long journeys, especially in hot or cold weather.
Animals face suffering on the road
Each year, over one billion animals are transported across the EU. Some journeys last as long as three weeks. During these trips, animals are often packed into trucks with very little space. Many suffer from dehydration, heat stress, injuries, or even die.
Young animals, such as unweaned calves and pregnant animals, are especially at risk. The survey found that 84% of people support a ban or stricter rules for transporting these animals.
The European Parliament is currently reviewing the laws on animal transport. However, some of the proposed changes may weaken existing rules, which has made animal welfare groups very worried.
In the survey, 72% of people said they believe the EU should make its laws stronger. The same number of people also said they want better laws at both the national and EU levels.
Over 12,500 citizens have written to their Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), asking them to support stronger protection for animals during transport.
Call for a ban on live animal transport
Animal welfare organisations say it is time to move away from live animal transport and instead focus on trading meat.
They say this would reduce animal suffering and also bring economic and environmental benefits.
