By Martin Banks

A leading ferry operator has reportedly agreed to stop carrying all live animals following pressure from NGOs

In what is claimed to be a “major victory for animals” Brittany Ferries will reportedly end the transport of all live farmed animals, including unweaned calves, from Ireland to France on its ships from September 2026 at the latest.

It comes after intense pressure and campaigns from animal welfare groups regarding long transit times without food.

The decision was reported on Tuesday by several NGOs, including Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), Ethical Farming Ireland, WELFARM, FOUR PAWS, L214, Eyes on Animals and Eurogroup for Animals.

In a survey released in January, 82% of EU citizens expressed concern about the transport of very young and unweaned animals, with only 22% convinced that current protections were adequate.

The export of live animals for fattening and slaughter was banned in Great Britain in 2024, on the grounds of cruelty.

Commenting, Charlotte Reid, Deputy Director of Global Campaigns, said: “This is a landmark victory for animals.

“After months of campaigning by NGOs, with the support of hundreds of thousands of supporters across Europe, Brittany Ferries has finally listened.  

“Animals are not cargo and they should not be forced to suffer on these gruelling, stressful journeys. 

“We won’t stop campaigning until this cruel, unnecessary practice has been completely consigned to the history books.”

Caroline Rowley, Executive Director for Ethical Farming Ireland, said: “Brittany Ferries started transporting unweaned calves from Ireland last year in the full knowledge that they could not be fed during the 18-hour ferry journey to France, which is not only cruel it is in breach of EU legislation.

“After over a year of campaigning we are delighted that the CEO has finally made the principled choice to stop all involvement in this trade.”