Long-distance animal transports from Flanders are prohibited this year in June, July and August. Last year the ban only applied in July and August. “It is often (too) hot in June too,” says Flemish Minister of Animal Welfare Ben Weyts (N-VA).
This concerns transports of animals to warm destinations outside the European Union, such as Libya, Lebanon or Morocco. “During long transports in summer conditions, the temperature for the animals often rises above 30 degrees. That is really too hot,” says Weyts.
Last year, the summer transport ban came into effect for the first time. So this year it will be expanded. Transport to less warm places remains possible. There is also the option to allow transports if the trucks have a modern air conditioning system.
Every year, thousands of live animals – mainly cattle – are exported from Flanders to Libya, Lebanon and the Maghreb countries, among others, says Weyts. In 2024, this involved more than 3,500 cattle. After the introduction of the measure, the number of permits for long-distance transport fell by 76.5 percent throughout 2025.
