Another example of importance of access to animals during transport!

Recently we had another case showing that side access doors are vital in livestock vehicles. This time a truck driver had to assist 2 calves, at two different times in the voyage, that were being seriously trampled by the other animals on board. It was a relief knowing the driver could at least quickly intervene, as prescribed by the EC 1/2005. More and more livestock trucks, especially in the Netherlands, are being built without side access doors. In fact, often they are completely closed on the side. For the past two years we have been working hard to make sure people realize this is not acceptable and insisting to the authorities to enforce clear rules in compliance with the EC legislation. Closed, temperature controlled trucks may have some advantages in extreme weather, but not if the only way of inspecting animals is via camera surveillance (you cannot see a trampled small animal on a screen) and not if there are no doors where the driver can get in to assist an animal in need, and to water and feed thoroughly.