Dutch regulator fines hundreds of companies for transporting sick animals

The Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) imposes around 300 fines annually on companies that illegally transport sick and injured animals, with penalties starting at 1,500 euros. Animal welfare organization Varkens in Nood has raised concerns about the numbers, stating that transporting already ill or wounded animals is illegal.

"For sick and injured animals, transportation is a torment. Many arrive in critical condition, and some die on the way," said Frederieke Schouten, director of Varkens in Nood. The organization suspects the actual number of transported sick animals is much higher. "There is not always permanent supervision. Inspectors cannot always determine whether an animal was injured before transport or during the journey."

The NVWA disputes claims that its inspectors fail to detect injured animals. "Our inspectors see all live animals before they are slaughtered, and we intervene in case of violations," said an NVWA spokesperson. "As regulators, we must adhere to the law and provide evidence that an animal was injured before transport. A broken leg, for example, could happen during the trip."

Varkens in Nood is calling for inspectors to be present during the loading of animals, not just at the unloading stage, as is currently the case. "We simply do not have the capacity for that; it is not realistic," the NVWA spokesperson said. "An inspector cannot be everywhere. The NVWA focuses on the highest-risk cases."

The organization also wants transport companies to lose their licenses after three violations. The NVWA did not disclose how many businesses had multiple infractions but stated that repeat offenders face increasing fines, up to 10,500 euros.

In 2023, the NVWA issued 323 fines, while in the past year, 293 penalties were imposed. Violations included cases such as severely emaciated cows and animals with infections so severe they could no longer stand. Reports also documented pigs with open wounds and severe leg pain that prevented them from walking.

Agriculture Minister Femke Wiersma and State Secretary Jean Rummenie previously stated that in 2023, more than 4,200 animals arrived dead at slaughterhouses.