April 27, 2007

Denmark imposes 24 hours maximum for pig transport

The Danish pig sector has expressed its willingness to restrict pig journeys to a maximum of 24 hours following recent television programmes revealing pigs suffering from physical abuse and other bad conditions during transport.

Director Hans Aarestrup of the Danish Pig Producers (Danske Svine Produceneter, DSP) said his organisation will discuss these guidelines with the Danish authorities.

Harsh conditions such as lack of water and straw bedding and sometimes even dead pigs were discovered during Danish transports to Latvia, Belarus or Russia was shown on several news broadcasts.

Under fire on public rage, the Danish government has proposed to reduce maximum transportation journeys to eight hours - whereas in Europe 24 hours is permitted.

The new regulation also indicates that after transport, the animals should still rest for 24 hours before the journey can be continued.