New investigation reveals 15,000 pigs suffering from extreme heat

A recent investigation by Essere Animali has revealed that around 15,000 pigs in Italy are suffering from extreme heat stress during transportation to slaughterhouses. Internal temperatures in trucks reached as high as 45°C, with animals showing signs of distress such as rapid breathing, excessive salivation, and reddened skin. The conditions on the trucks were found to be inadequate, with animals lacking access to water and sufficient bedding, as well as being transported in dense groups during high temperatures.

The NGO is calling for urgent regulatory action to address the issue of transporting animals in extreme temperatures, as current laws do not require compliance with maximum temperatures or access to water for journeys under eight hours. The European Union is urged to update its live transport laws to include strict limits on extreme temperature transport, as well as other measures to improve animal welfare during transportation. It is crucial to prioritize the protection of animals in the face of worsening climate conditions and inadequate regulations.