Irish animals exposed to brutal slaughter.

Every year, Ireland exports thousands of young bulls to North Africa, the Middle East and Turkey – to be killed for their meat.

The sea journey is long and dangerous. Rough seas can cause seasickness and make it difficult for animals to stand properly. Injuries from slips and falls are common. The stressful and unfamiliar conditions on board ships can result in animals failing to eat (leading to starvation), eye infections, heat stress and pneumonia.

Live export ships are like floating factory farms in which animals are increasingly vulnerable to diseases. The thin layer of sawdust in pens quickly turns into a thick layer of faeces and urine – trapping moisture and spreading pathogens. Water tanks and fodder are easily contaminated.

High heat and humidity inside live export vessels can make it unbearable for the animals. Some won’t survive the journey.

Evidence of cruelty

As if the long, arduous sea journeys weren’t bad enough, those who survive face a horrific fate that no animal deserves. Animals International investigators have documented Irish bulls being brutally killed in slaughterhouses in Lebanon and Jordan. Animals are also sent to Egypt, Libya, Morocco and Turkey.

Irish bulls are exported to countries where there are no effective animal welfare laws to protect them from cruelty. Many destinations also lack the facilities, equipment and training required to ensure cattle will be handled in a way that may at least reduce their suffering.

To prevent stressed and frightened animals from escaping, ropes are often used to restrain them. The slashing of leg tendons or eye stabbing are routine methods used to tame and immobilise cattle before their throats are cut. Animals endure a painful and prolonged death.

Despite irrefutable evidence exposing the cruel reality of the Irish live export trade, Ireland’s government is looking for new live export markets – and recently approved exports to Egypt, Jordan and Israel.

It’s time to end live export

Ireland is seeking to expand the live export trade at a time of increasing pressure within Europe to bring the inherently cruel industry to an end. Please help show Ireland’s government that there is strong support in the community to end live export. You can use the form below to send a message to Agriculture Minister, Charlie McConalogue.