It is important to not see the world in just black and white, and work together when possible instead of pre-judging each other when trying to make the world a gentler place for animals. Although we as an organization would like to see a world without animal transport, especially on long-distance journeys, we do acknowledge that some transport companies try hard to be good. Hunland Trans is such a case. They are always open to criticism from NGOs and have taken so many real concrete measures to better protect animals during transport in the last 15 years.
They have improved the design of the water troughs and dividers on the trucks so that their animals can drink well and there are no gaps where animals can get stuck. They have journey-specific contingency plans and good contacts all along their journeys should something unexpected happen along the way, such as an accident, heat wave, border strike… They regularly get their staff trained and only send out new drivers with their “pro-drivers” (very experienced drivers that have also shown competency in taking care of animals and passed tests) for the first 3 to 12 months etc… They also use a custom-made app where their drivers have to upload films along the way to prove to management that animals remain fit and are regularly watered, fed and unloaded to rest. They insist that truck manufacturers always put large access doors in their trailors in order to easily and properly access all animals when needed. They refuse to transport unweaned mammals as they know it is impossible to feed these young animals milk during the journey.
If animals are to be transported then it is important that exporters, traders and farmers don’t choose the cheapest transport company but the most competent. Sadly, there are many bad and cheap transport companies on the road and traders are to blame for being just profit-minded. We would like to sincerely thank Hunland Trans for all their efforts.
