Transport of animals: the last tribunal resolutions

VG Osnabrück confirms ban on cattle transport to Morocco

How important is the Animal welfare for slaughtering purposes? Shall Animal welfare be guaranteed by extension of the transport time? The answer, in Germany, it’s yes.

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The Osnabrück Administrative Court has rejected an urgent application by which a transport company (applicant) wanted to obtain permission by way of interim injunction for a cattle transport to Morocco that had already been prohibited by the district of Emsland. By decision of 30 September 2021, the district of Emsland had rejected the transport company’s application for clearance and approval of its intended transport of 448 breeding cattle from Messingen to Benslimane in Morocco in the period from 5 to 8 October 2021. In justification, the district had stated that the rest breaks of 9.5 hours each in France and Spain planned by the transporter, which were to be taken on the occasion of driving time breaks for the driver during the transport, which lasted a total of 5 days and 8 hours, will be violating the principle of keeping the duration of the transport as short as possible and avoiding delays. Since the animals were to remain in the vehicle during these breaks and the transporter had refused to provide a second driver for each truck, the transport has not been authorized. The Administrative Court rejected the urgent application and confirmed the decision of the district authority. The transport of the animals with only one driver per lorry contradicted the principle of keeping the transport time as short as possible, which is based on European law. The applicant complies with the time requirements under European law, which provide for a break of at least one hour after a maximum transport duration of 14 hours, during which the animals are watered and fed and after which the transport can be continued for a further 14 hours. However, the transport of animals shall not be carried out if it could cause injury or unnecessary suffering to the animals. What do you think about such a case? Let us know in the comments below.   

Practical supplement added 13 November 2026. The original article above retains its historical context. The following scenarios are hypothetical and are not additional findings of the court or events reported in that article.

Legal assessment and practical approach

Animal transport requires review of the route, species, fitness and responsibilities. Commercial journeys, private travel and movements for rehoming are not interchangeable. Import, animal-health and species-protection documents may be needed alongside transport compliance.

Four practical examples

These are hypothetical scenarios illustrating issues to assess. They do not describe actual client matters or promise a particular outcome.

Practical example 1

A horse travels to a competition abroad. Review the route, fitness and health documents before booking. Include the return journey in planning; changed destination requirements may require additional action.

Practical example 2

A rescue organisation regularly rehomes dogs from abroad. Its actual operation determines the legal assessment. Calling a journey a rescue transport does not replace required permissions or animal-health documentation.

Practical example 3

A lorry is stopped because of inadequate care. Preserve driver records, weather data and official findings. Coordinate immediate animal-care measures with later review of fees or penalties.

Practical example 4

An import is blocked by inconsistent certificate details. Establish whether correction is possible and who caused the delay. Document accommodation costs and contractual losses before responsibility becomes disputed.

Prepare the relevant evidence

Provide complete documents and a concise chronology. Distinguish your observations from statements by others and unresolved questions. Include attachments, evidence of service and deadlines with official notices and correspondence. Preserve original files, images and message histories unchanged; an organised working copy assists review.

Legal sources: Regulation (EC) 1/2005

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