In a recent statement, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has come under criticism from various sides regarding her and the government’s stance on long animal transports. Frederiksen, who has previously expressed sympathy for the animals’ suffering during transport, is now leading a government that is hesitant to introduce a ban on animal transports lasting over eight hours. The lead candidate for the Unity List (Enhedslisten) in the European Parliament elections, Per Clausen, has openly criticized the Prime Minister for her seemingly contradictory positions. “It is hypocrisy,” says Clausen, pointing out that it may be problematic if the government’s collaboration with the Venstre party prevents action in this area. During a question time in the Danish Parliament, Frederiksen could only promise that the government would “discuss animal welfare” and seek to reduce transport times, but without committing to a specific ban on long transports. This contrasts with the European Commission’s proposal for a maximum transport time of 21 hours.
Socialdemokratiet’s (Social Democrats) member of the European Parliament, Niels Fuglsang, has also spoken out after monitoring an animal transport from Denmark to Italy. He describes cruel conditions where pigs were transported in high heat without food, and crammed together in miserable conditions. “It is animal cruelty,” says Fuglsang. Venstre’s (Liberal Party) animal welfare spokesperson, Erling Bonnesen, has not wanted to directly comment on the possibility of a ban, but indicates that it is something that should be discussed at the negotiating table. The issue of animal transports has become a hot topic in Danish politics, where different opinions and the composition of the government seem to create barriers to concrete measures. It remains to be seen how the government will handle this issue moving forward.