Investigation at the Port of Rasa

July 18, 2024.

In July, a team sets off for Croatia, to the port of Rasa. Trucks with Spanish number plates roll in, carrying cows from Germany. They are initially taken to the stables at the port. We wonder where the animals were exported from. A quick investigation reveals that the cows were loaded onto the trucks in Belgium. To retrace the entire journey, we will request information from the authorities after the operation. But one thing is already clear: these animals have already endured hours of transport, with no end in sight.

The "Med Rose" docks, and the ramp is installed. The first animals, including some from Hungary, are driven onto the ship. From the start, chaos prevails. The cows refuse to proceed on the ramp, which leads through a dark entrance into the ship's hold. They are forced to move with blows and prods from sticks and electric drivers. This happens under scorching heat, with the weather app showing 33°C. In their destination, Beirut, temperatures over 30°C also await the cows.

We continue to gather evidence to present to the EU Commission, highlighting how animals suffer under a weak regulation and how transport companies exploit detours and legal loopholes to continually maximise profit.