The future of live animal transportation

The 51st Annual Animal Transportation Association (ATA) Conference, held in Doha, Qatar, brought together industry leaders, airlines, regulators, and logistics providers to address the evolving landscape of live animal transport. With increasing regulatory scrutiny, capacity constraints, and a growing push for digital transformation, the conference provided an essential platform to discuss the future of AVI (animal transport) logistics.

“The live animal transportation sector is at a crossroads,” said Sean Harding, President of the ATA and Business Development Lead at BioTrans Logistics.

“We are witnessing unprecedented regulatory changes, fluctuating market dynamics, and an urgent need for technological advancements to ensure safe, efficient, and humane transport for animals worldwide.”
One of the most debated topics at the conference was the proposed changes in EU legislation concerning animal welfare in transport.

The ATA has been working closely with the European Commission, advocating for practical and science-based policies that ensure both compliance and operational feasibility.

“Our collaboration with the EU Commission has been proactive,” Harding explained. “We are ensuring that industry voices are heard, and any new regulations balance welfare considerations with real-world logistics challenges. The legislation under discussion could reshape the way AVI shipments are m…