On a very cold early morning the TSB|AWF and EonA team helped the Road Transport Inspection (ITD) from Kielce stop and inspect livestock trucks. It was not our first time in this area, and we were happy to see that after previously imposed sanctions, we did not observe cattle transported on 2 decks in the swanneck this time (the animals do not have enough headspace if they are on two decks). Unfortunately, two out of the 3 cattle trucks we inspected today had cattle on board that were tied on by the horns to elements of the trucks, which is forbidden. One transporter was fined on the spot, for the other case proceedings will be initiated. The effects of this joint action were immediately visible: during the Saturday cattle market in the area, 90% of animals were wearing halters! A few days later we controlled another market in the area, and saw positive changes there as well. Our training courses to the Official Road Inspectors in Poland are really resulting in the animal-welfare legislation being put into practice.
We are invited by ITD Kielce to return soon to again perform checks with them on the road.