The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has issued a renewed and urgent statement on the welfare of animals during transport. While the movement of animals by land, sea, and air remains essential for global trade, food production, and research, the organisation emphasises that the rigorous implementation of welfare standards is critical to safeguarding animal health and well-being throughout the journey.

WOAH underscores that long-distance transport can pose serious risks, particularly when complicated by incomplete health certificates, ambiguous customs regulations, commercial disputes, or unforeseen logistical delays. To protect animal welfare, these challenges must be anticipated and carefully managed through comprehensive planning from the outset.

In its statement, WOAH asserts that animal welfare is a fundamental necessity rather than an optional consideration, as it is vital for keeping animals healthy and safe. The organisation highlights that every stakeholder, including owners, operators, transporters, government agencies, and Veterinary Services, shares the responsibility for upholding these standards. Furthermore, WOAH notes that its international standards are being updated to address increasingly complex modern logistics, underscoring the continuous need for clear, science-based guidance.

WOAH recommends a series of critical measures to ensure stakeholders provide proper care at every stage of the journey, beginning with the certification process:

WOAH also issues a strong condemnation of any suffering that animals endure during transport and reiterates that protecting animal welfare requires urgent attention and the highest possible standards from all parties involved.

WOAH’s current standards on animal welfare during transport can be consulted here:
Chapter: 7.3. Transport of animals by land