Relentless pressure

Brittany Ferries re-entered the live export trade in February 2025 after three decades away, triggering widespread public outrage.

After months of relentless pressure from us and our partners Southampton Animal Action, Dorset Animal Action, Ethical Farming Ireland, Welfarm, FOUR PAWS, L124, Eyes on Animals, and Eurogroup for Animals, the company pledged to end its involvement in the cruel trade last month.

From today, that commitment becomes a reality.

Growing global outcry

The decision follows growing public and customer concern for animals transported on stressful sea journeys of up to 18 hours between Ireland and France, before continuing by road to destinations across Europe. Unweaned calves are particularly vulnerable, as their legal feeding requirements are not being met during crossings.

In 2026, over 160,000 calves have been transported on long journeys from Ireland to countries including Spain, Italy, and Poland.

The tide is turning

Brittany Ferries' decision means that, within the space of a year, two major ferry operators have stepped away from live exports. Following Stena Line's withdrawal from its Ireland to France service in October 2025, only one operator now remains in the trade.

The spotlight now turns to Irish Ferries, the last ferry company still transporting animals, including unweaned calves, on this gruelling journey.

With the live export trade under pressure, and countries such as Netherlands moving to end their imports by 2028, the Irish farming sector has an opportunity to move towards expanding a domestic market for calves and ending cruel exports.

Eloise Shavelar, our Global Head of Campaigns and Advocacy, said:

Thousands of animals are suffering and welfare legislation is being breached on these long sea journeys, so we strongly welcome the decision by two private companies to no longer be involved in this cruel trade.

We now look to Irish Ferries to immediately stop this unlawful hunger for unweaned calves onboard its ships, and we call on the EU Commission to urgently enforce this important legislation.

Help us end live exports

Over 70,000 people have already contacted Irish Ferries calling on the company to end its involvement in cruel live animal exports.

Brittany Ferries ends live exports: two down, one to go