Charity puts pressure on ferry firm

COMPASSION in World Farming says that the ferry firm Brittany Ferries has heard the charity’s calls to improve conditions for the live animals it carries on its ships, in a face-to-face meeting with the charity and two European campaigning organisations, Belgium-based Welfarm and Four Paws France.

- WMN REPORTER

It was the second meeting with the company, and Compassion in World Farming said it was able to put its concerns to the firm directly, highlighting what the campaigning charity describes as the unnecessary, unjustifiable and avoidable suffering unweaned calves endure at sea.

In what the charity has described as an important first step in its campaign, Brittany Ferries indicated that it was open to adjusting its practices, the charity said. The ferry firm also agreed to a followup meeting in January 2026.

Exporting live animals for fattening and slaughter was banned in Great Britain last year, but the practice has continued on sea crossings from Ireland to France operated by Brittany Ferries and Irish Ferries.

‘This month’s meeting with Brittany Ferries was the direct result of tireless campaigning, the charity said, after the company decided to resume live animal exports in March this year.