Following an incredibly successful Stop Live Transport: International Day of Awareness on 13^th September, Ireland will now be standing together on 26^th September hoping to bid ‘goodbye’ to the long distance transportation of animals.

Leading farm animal welfare charity Compassion in World Farming’s Irish supporter group; ‘Compassion in Ireland’, will be holding a protest outside the Irish Department of Agriculture in Dublin on 26^th September at 12:00. After the demonstration they will be handing in a petition against live export from Ireland which has gained over 23,000 signatures. Compassion warmly welcomes anybody interested in supporting this event to join them on the day.

This follows events that took place last week across the globe in over 33 countries, spanning 6 continents, to raise awareness of and call for an end to this cruel trade. The flagship rally took place in Parliament Square, Westminster, London.

The Irish protest is being supported by Irish celebrities Pauline McLynn and Evanna Lynch.

Pauline said: “I wholeheartedly support ‘Stop Live Transport’. This campaign stands up for animals that are treated in an unthinkable manner and it is so important that we take a stand against it continuing.

“It is beyond belief that countless, defenceless animals are subjected to such immense suffering in conditions that are truly horrific - when there are more kind and humane options available.

“The barbaric treatment of sentient beings through this archaic trade must be stopped.”

Evanna Lynch added: “The horror of live transport never fails to shock me to my core. It is appalling that we allow such cruelty in modern day society. In no way is it acceptable to send sentient beings on these gruelling journeys without adequate rest, water or space to move.

“Where is our compassion? It’s time to Stop Live Transport.”

Maureen O’Sullivan from the Independent Party, Clare Daly and Mick Wallace from the Independents 4 Change Party, Eamon Ryan and Senator Grace O’Sullivan from the Green Party will also be attending the protest.

Every year in excess of 100,000 cattle and sheep are transported from Ireland to the EU and third countries. These journeys can last several days or weeks, sometimes in crowded trucks or ships, and the animals can suffer from severe stress, exhaustion, dehydration, injuries, extreme temperatures and even death. Cattle exported to North Africa and Turkey are often subjected to inhumane slaughter practices that are in breach of World Organisation for Animal Health standards.

Compassion in World Farming is calling for a worldwide ban of this outdated and unnecessary trade of live animals and for it to be replaced with a trade in meat.

Philip Lymbery, Compassion in World Farming’s CEO, said: “If we keep up this pressure I remain confident that we can, and will, bring a stop to the live transport of animals. My thanks to our Irish supporter group for their efforts who stand up for farm animals and who refuse to give up until this shocking trade is resigned to the history books.”