The coalition includes all the leading UK-based animal welfare charities: the World Society for the Protection of Animals, Compassion in World Farming, the RSPCA and the International League for the Protection of Horses. 

The film shows how farm animals are being routinely shipped around the world in overcrowded and filthy conditions, on journeys that can take several weeks. Every day thousands of cattle, sheep and pigs die en route from disease, hunger and stress. 

World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) Campaigns Director Leah Garcés said: 'British people are growing increasingly concerned with the way animals are treated and I am sure they will be horrified by the cruelty and suffering that can clearly be seen in this new undercover film.'

'We were determined to show people the truth of this hidden and brutal traffic in animals – if you see it for yourself – you just know it must be stopped.'

In Europe thousands of horses suffer in crowded conditions on illegal journeys of up to 36 hours from Spain to Italy to be slaughtered for meat. 

Compassion in World Farming Chief Executive Philip Lymbery said: 'The cruelty these animals endure is completely unacceptable in the 21st century. This trade is one in which millions of animals suffer cruel and unnecessary journeys each year. It must stop.' 

Speaking on behalf of the International League for the Protection of Horses, Jo White said: 'Long distance transport for slaughter is the biggest single abuse of horses in Europe, with around 100,000 involved in the trade.  The ILPH is committed to ending this unnecessary suffering and with the review of EU legislation next year, urges the public to demonstrate its objection to this inhumane trade as a matter or urgency.' 

RSPCA spokesman David Bowles said:  'The long distance transport of animals is an emotive issue and one that people care passionately about. The RSPCA is urging everyone to support this campaign so that we can stop this cruel and unnecessary trade.'

The transport of chilled and frozen meat has been going on for more than 125 years, yet millions of cattle, pigs, horses, sheep and other animals still suffer and thousands die while being transported unnecessarily long distances each year - just to be slaughtered on arrival. 

The coalition urges people to see the evidence at www.handlewithcare.tv  and add their name to a letter of protest which calls on governments to stop the cruel and unnecessary long distance transport of animals for slaughter.  I urge you to watch the film, although much of the footage is too shocking to watch; animals beaten, kicked, dragged by the legs and even thrown off the side of lorries, nothing will change until we take action. 

It is barbaric that in the 21st century animals are being treated this way.  Some of the more hellish routes are sheep being transported from Australia to the Middle East, cattle from Brazil to Lebanon, horses from Spain to Italy and pigs from Canada to Hawaii.  If we are going to eat meat animals should be slaughtered close to where they are reared and the meat refrigerated and then transported.

Every year, millions of sheep, pigs, cattle and horses are crammed into lorries and ships and sent on long journeys just to be slaughtered. Their final destination could be hundreds, even thousands of miles away. Their ordeal is needless, cruel and simply unacceptable. Long distance transport is no holiday.

Join Compassion in World Farming - click on the banner - and find out more about what you can do to end this cruel trade today.

 

Got something you want to share?  Upload it at 'Send Us Stuff'.