Thousands of animals trapped at sea for over two weeks due to engine problems

Another serious case of animal cruelty on the high seas and massive failure on the part of the authorities: due to a faulty ship’s engine, 2,400 cattle and 460 sheep were travelling at sea for over two weeks – on a journey that normally only takes 5 to 6 days. The animals, which had boarded the ship in Romania on 22 February 2025, only reached their destination in Israel on Sunday evening, 9 March.

Video footage from animal rights activists in Israel shows that the animals are heavily soiled and their eyes are wide open. They are smeared with excrement and some are obviously suffering from respiratory problems, as can be seen from the mucous discharge from their mouths and noses. This is a common phenomenon when animals are exposed to a high concentration of ammonia over a long period of time with poor ventilation. Some animals died on the journey.

This latest incident highlights once again how risky sea voyages are and why they should be banned. Once the animals leave European shores, we can no longer guarantee their safety. It is therefore imperative that the EU Parliament abolishes exports of live animals at sea as part of the ongoing revision of the Animal Transport Regulation.

More information: www.animal-welfare-foundation.org/en/blog/behoerdenversagen-tausende-tiere-muessen-wegen-motorschaden-ueber-zwei-wochen-auf-see-ausharren

Open Letter to EU Commissioner Várhelyi: www.eurogroupforanimals.org/library/open-letter-expressing-concerns-sea-transport-after-problems-vessel-express-m