Today (23 July) we are stepping up the pressure on Brittany Ferries once again, with a further public letter demanding an end to live animal exports on its ships.

A welfare failure

Our latest letter marks four months of silence from the company. During this time, over 130,000 unweaned calves have suffered on the sea crossing from Ireland to France, carried on ferries operated by Brittany Ferries, Irish Ferries, or Stena Line. On these unnecessary and long journeys, the animals experience overcrowding, extreme temperatures, and limited food and water.

Meanwhile, the EU Commission has expressed ‘concern’ in a new report, acknowledging the prolonged periods of fasting experienced by these particularly vulnerable animals.

Great Britain introduced a ban on the live export of farmed animals for slaughter or fattening last year on grounds of cruelty, yet the trade continues in the EU.

An overwhelming response

Across the UK and EU, an overwhelming 100,000 emails have been sent by citizens to the company’s customer service departments, demanding a reversal of its decision. Despite this, no official response has been received.

Stepping up the pressure

We’ve also been tirelessly campaigning on the streets, with a steady stream of gatherings at ports in the UK, France, and Ireland. Our billboard adverts have exposed this animal suffering to Brittany Ferries’ customers, and this week we’re launching a major mobile phone campaign to raise awareness amongst people in close proximity to the ports.

Charlotte Reid, Deputy Director of Global Campaigns, said:

The response to our campaign has been overwhelming so far, with around 100,000 emails from UK and EU citizens making it crystal clear to Brittany Ferries that it is totally unacceptable for them to profit at the expense of vulnerable baby animals.

The company’s silence speaks volumes. They clearly want business to continue as usual, which is why we’re stepping up our campaign to stop this inhumane and unnecessary trade. Today we’re sending a further letter and we’ll be launching a powerful new advertising campaign to let their customers know what’s going on below decks as they set off on their holidays. Our campaign will continue until the company stops this unnecessary cruelty.

Campaign steps up against Brittany Ferries