Flanders bans live animal transport to hot non-EU countries during summer

Flemish animal welfare minister Ben Weyts has announced a summer ban on live animal transport by road from Flanders to non-EU countries with hot climates. The move is aimed at preventing heat stress in livestock during long journeys in high temperatures.

The temporary ban, in force for July and August, primarily affects exports to Maghreb countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, and Libya, as well as Turkey and Lebanon. Transport to cooler non-EU destinations like Norway, Switzerland, and the UK remains permitted. Over 4,000 live cattle are exported annually from Flanders to the affected regions.

Weyts argues that existing regulations, that rely on forecasts and veterinary assurances, fail to protect animals from heat stress during long journeys where temperatures often exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Under the new rules, only vehicles with active cooling systems may still operate during the restricted period.

However, questions remain over the feasibility of the new measure. Industry representatives claim they were not adequately consulted and warn of practical challenges, including cancelled shipments and financial loss.

The Flemish government maintains that the risks of transporting tightly packed animals over thousands of kilometres in summer heat are too high. The minister also hinted at a broader reevaluation of live exports. He suggested slaughter and chilled meat transport as more humane alternatives.

The policy is seen as limited in scope. It affects only a small portion of the region’s livestock exports, most of which remain within the EU. The minister, however, hopes it could set a precedent for other regions.

^{​#FlandersNewsService | Cattle transport © BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND}