Brittany Ferries has stopped live animal exports - a subject which has caused a year of protests in Portsmouth

Brittany Ferries will stop transporting live farmed animals by the end of next month.

The ferry company, which which runs services from Portsmouth and has its UK offices in the city, has come under fire after resuming live animal exports, including unweaned calves, in March last year. The move has led to regular protests in Portsmouth, even though the bulk of the animal transportation is between France and Ireland.

Groups that have campaigned against the animal exports include Compassion in World Farming, Ethical Farming Ireland, Welfarm, Four Paws, L214, Eyes on Animals, Eurogroup for Animals, Southampton Animal Action and Dorset Animal Action. The protestors claim more than 100,000 emails have been sent to Brittany Ferries, as well as a targeted social media campaign. Protestors also met the company four times.

An animal rights protest outside Brittany Ferries offices in Portsmouth, demonstrating against live animal exports on July 3 | Iconic

placeholder image — An animal rights protest outside Brittany Ferries offices in Portsmouth, demonstrating against live animal exports on July 3 | Iconic

Charlotte Reid, Deputy Director of Global Campaigns at Compassion in World Farming, said: "This is a landmark victory for animals. After months of campaigning by NGOs, with the support of hundreds of thousands of supporters across Europe, Brittany Ferries has finally listened.

“Animals are not cargo and they should not be forced to suffer on these gruelling, stressful journeys.

"We won't stop campaigning until this cruel, unnecessary practice has been completely consigned to the history books. Irish Ferries is now the only operator continuing the trade from Ireland to France, and we're calling on them to urgently follow suit and end the live transport of animals."

Cat Phipps from Southampton Animal Action, said: “This is great news for the animals and for the community of protesters who have been present at Portsmouth Port for over a year. This trade is unacceptable and we know from meeting their customers that they think this too.”

In June last year Compassion in World Farming campaigners gathered at the port outside Brittany Ferries to urge the company to reverse its decision to resume the live export of farmed animals from Ireland to France | Karen Bornhoft

Now only Irish Ferries transport unweaned calves from France to Ireland. Stena Line used to but has stopped.

Corinna Reinisch, Animal Welfare Issue Navigator for big cats, bears and farmed animals at Four Paws said: “With one less ferry company transporting live animals, this is a major victory for animal welfare in Europe. By choosing to opt out of this practice, Brittany Ferries put animal welfare over profit.

“While we celebrate this development, it must also be seen as a wakeup call for others. Both the European Union and private companies must follow along. EU decision makers must realise that transporting live animals by sea is an outdated practice that causes unnecessary animal suffering.”

A statement from the campaign groups said: “By the time the ships reach France on these journeys, unweaned calves have gone for over 18 hours without food. This is in breach of EU animal welfare law. Many calves are transported onwards to other countries including the Netherlands, Spain and Poland.

“In a survey released in January, 82% of EU citizens expressed concern about the transport of very young and unweaned animals, with only 22% convinced that current protections were adequate. Following a 50 year campaign lead by Compassion, the export of live animals for fattening and slaughter was banned in Great Britain in 2024, on the grounds of cruelty.”

Brittany Ferries confirmed it has ceased live animal transportation but did not comment further.