Animal Welfare Groups Urge IMO for Stricter Livestock Carrier Regulations Amid Safety Concerns
A coalition of 36 animal welfare and protection organizations has called on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to implement binding international regulations for livestock carriers. This appeal comes in response to ongoing safety and welfare issues associated with the global live export shipping fleet, which is noted as the oldest in the ocean shipping sector, with an average vessel age of 40 years. The organizations highlighted systemic safety failures, including extreme heat stress, overcrowding, and prolonged confinement of animals, as well as unsafe working conditions for seafarers. These issues have led to several maritime disasters, such as the recent incident involving the MV Spiridon II. Despite bans or phase-outs in countries like Australia, New Zealand, India, and the UK, approximately 110 livestock carriers continue to operate globally, often discharging untreated animal effluent and carcasses at sea. 
