🚢 Animals exported to conflict zones

 

View email in browser March 2026 How do we truly measure an industry’s contribution to society? Typically, we look at the balance sheet — the revenues and costs that form a standard financial account. As the European Union considers a ban on fur production in response to a European Citizen’s Initiative, an expert calculated the full-cost account of the EU fur industry. What would be gained or lost if the industry was banned? End the Cage Age   Civil society presented the case for phasing out cages at the Court of Justice of the EU in Luxembourg this month, arguing that the European Commission has failed to uphold citizens’ expectations on End the Cage Age. The case is the first of its kind, raising questions on whether we can fully trust the European Citizens' Initiative process. Seals We argued why the EU’s legislation on seals should not be amended following recent fitness checks and public consultations. The EU’s landmark ruling against placing seal products on the market remains valid and appropriate, and has even contributed to the recovery and growth of seal populations worldwide. Export to conflict zones Animals are being transported in their thousands to active conflict areas such as Israel, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. Animal protection organisations have been calling on the European Commission to suspend these dangerous transport routes, which put people and animals at great risk. Fur Free Europe Following a complaint from animal protection groups, the European Ombudswoman requested that the European Commission respond, without delay, to demands for equal treatment and a meeting with the responsible Commissioner ahead of a final decision on a fur farming ban in Europe. Scotland Scotland has taken a major step forward for animal welfare by voting to ban greyhound racing, marking a historic turning point for the protection of dogs. Belgium The government of the region of Wallonia, Belgium, is considering reauthorising dolphinariums after they were banned in 2018. This shocking move has caused serious concerns among animal protection organisations. Denmark New footage has revealed that Danish exporters are continuing to send piglets on illegally long and risky journeys, despite the attention drawn to the topic by an exposé published last year. Italy High VAT rates on services related to companion animal care are increasing the risks of neglect and abandonment in Italy. A new campaign is calling for lower tax rates and the provision of social veterinary care to ensure the protection of dogs, cats and other pets. Send a message Ask Belgium to say no to dolphinariums Click here  Send a message Ask the EU to stop animal transports to crisis areas French or German  Sign the petition Stop cruelty to pigs on Spanish farms Click here