A calf born in a cramped transport vehicle had no chance. It lies dead on the completely contaminated floor because the emaciated mother animal did not receive help from a veterinarian. A scandal! According to an animal protection organization, two animal transporters are not allowed to be unloaded due to a formal error.
Two trucks from Germany, loaded with livestock, are already on Turkish territory after crossing the border and are not allowed to travel further. Because Brandenburg – the place of origin of the cattle – was subsequently declared an area affected by ‘bluetongue disease’.
This viral disease can occur in ruminants. There is no risk that bluetongue will spread or be transmitted to humans, not even through meat or milk.
Error in the system
The animals tested negative, but due to a formal error in the animal transport database (“tracks”) they are still not allowed to move forward or backward. According to current information from the animal protection organization “Stichting Dierenwelzijn”, the animals are up to their ankles in their own feces, they are not removed and they are already very emaciated. At least one pregnant cow had to calve without veterinary supervision during the animal transport;
Politics must act
For EU mandate Thomas Waitz (Greens), this is an unbearable situation: “Pregnant livestock is exported to third countries under the guise of transporting breeding animals. Animal welfare is clearly lagging behind. 35 pregnant cattle are now stuck on each transport truck without veterinary care and cannot even lie down. We continue to call for stricter controls and a ban on the transport of live animals to third countries so that tragedies like this do not repeat themselves every day.”
According to the “Animal Welfare Foundation”, the animals should be returned to Germany or, probably better, immediately slaughtered in Bulgaria. But because they are already on the Turkish side, they are no longer allowed to enter the EU.
“This can also happen with animal transports coming from Austria. We also send pregnant cows to Turkey and other third countries. It is incomprehensible that certain politicians still stand by and do nothing,” says Maggie Entenfellner, director of Krone Tierecke, shocked by this current case.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
