Lower Saxony stops long animal transports in the heat: a new protection!

Lower Saxony stops long animal transports in the heat: a new protection!

The ripcord in the Lower Saxony Ministry of Agriculture has been drawn: animal transports will no longer be allowed at temperatures above 30 degrees. This symbolic measure is primarily intended to reduce the stress of the animals in the plump heat. The responsible veterinary authorities are now commissioned to provide transport permits for trips over eight hours in extreme heat. The decision is intended for the latest heat wave, which was troubled by the district when the hottest day of the year was recorded on Wednesday, especially in the west of Lower Saxony, such as the ndr reported.

does this regulation not come in time? From now on, the authorities should check whether transports can be moved to cooler evening or night hours. In addition, the transporters have to show how and where breaks are observed in order not to strain the animals unnecessarily. A functioning ventilation and water supply in the transport vehicle are also basic requirements for each approval. These regulations are conscientiously checked; No transport is handled without the necessary systems.

risks of animal transports in heat

The background of this arrangement are worrying. Lusters such as pigs, cattle and chickens are particularly sensitive to high temperatures. While pigs cannot even sweat, dairy cows have a hard time at 20 ° C, which is considered heat stress. The risks during a transport should not be underestimated - traffic jams, insufficient drinking options and dehydration are just a few of the dangers to avoid. The Provieh sees this a great responsibility, especially since the EU-animal protection regulation above 30 ° C only allowed or even prohibits under special requirements.

Despite this heated discussion, it was not possible to mention that an accident with a truck, which transported 160 pigs on May 8, sharpened public awareness. In this incident, 60 animals died when the truck in the Emsland came off the road - a presumably illegal transport with a lack of papers. Such tragedies illustrate urgency to improve animal welfare during transport.

animal protection network calls for further measures

The debate about animal transport is managed from different sides. The merger of over 30 animal welfare and animal rights organizations, scientists and consultants, known as the animal welfare network, bundle forces (TNKB), requires a clear stop of all animal transports in third countries. They also speak for a general ban on transports at outside temperatures above 25 ° C. In times when there are official warnings for people - how much drinking, avoiding effort and visiting cool places - the action against animal transports in extreme heat is more than just a necessary step.

You can say that the new regulations in Lower Saxony are a long -awaited signal to everyone involved. The preservation of animal welfare comes first, and in those temperatures that we are now experiencing, it is high time to show a good hand and make sustainable decisions.