Slaughter secrets

June 14 is International Stop Live Transport Awareness Day, combining efforts from more than 100 groups in 30 countries.

The event aims to unite in making a stand and opposing the trade in and long distance transportation of live animals.

The live transport industry is one of secrecy and it is deliberately hidden from the public eye. Animals are transported in abominable conditions just so their flesh can be kept ‘fresh’ for its arrival at the slaughterhouse.

Each year, millions of live animals are transported thousands of kilometres overseas from Britain, without sufficient food, water or rest. Animals may be transported to countries with no animal protection laws, facing a terrible fate both during transport and slaughter. These problems are not exclusive to live exports, however. Within the UK, animals face gruelling and frightening journeys to slaughter.

Overcrowding prevents animals from lying down, which leads to injuries and the risk of being trampled to death. They may be exhausted, dehydrated and subjected to completely unfamiliar sights, sounds and smells. Animals are not freight. They are sentient beings and feel pain, fear and stress just like we do.

The only way of ending the vicious cycle of pain, misery and suffering that farmed animals endure is to stop eating them and go vegan.

SIOBHAN DOLAN Viva!, Wilder Street, Bristol