A new undercover investigation by Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) has revealed widespread suffering in EU carp farms and exposed the urgent need to include specific legislation to protect fish welfare across Europe in the upcoming modernisation of the EU’s animal welfare rules.

The shocking undercover footage, filmed at three carp farms in the Czech Republic, shows fish in overcrowded pools, left out of water gasping for air, roughly handled, and injured. Some then face being sold live at street markets only to endure an inhumane and painful death in homes by untrained members of the public using kitchenware – all in the name of a Christmas tradition, says the animal welfare and environmental NGO.

Despite strong scientific evidence and recognition in EU law that fish are sentient beings capable for feeling pain and suffering, there is currently no species-specific legislation to prevent these cruel practices.

Up to a billion fish are farmed in the EU each year with around. The lack of legal protection applies to all fish farmed throughout the EU, the NGO stresses, and has launched an EU-wide petition calling for action.

The NGO’s undercover investigators witnessed and filmed:

Severe overcrowding and poor water quality during fishing – carp were packed so tightly that many struggled to breathe, with dead and dying fish visible at the surface of the tanks.
Rough and improper handling – fish were thrown, dropped from heights and hit against hard surfaces.
Prolonged air exposure – carp were left out of water for up to ten minutes during sorting and weighing.
Inhumane slaughter – workers attempted to stun carp with blunt objects, but in many cases the stunning was poorly executed so it’s likely the fish were conscious as their throats were cut causing pain and suffering.
Sale of live fish to consumers – some customers bought live carp in plastic bags without water, taking them home to kill them without training or equipment, often days after buying them.

Dr. Santiago Pintos, Senior Research and Policy Manager of Aquatic Animals at Compassion in World Farming said:

Our investigation reveals a complete disregard for carp welfare. Carp are sentient beings who can feel pain and distress, just like land animals.

And yet, this is just one example of a wider crisis. Across Europe, billions of fish - including carp, sea bass, and trout - are suffering in intensive fish farms and there’s a lack of legislation to protect them.

We need policymakers to rethink fish and listen to the 9 out of 10 EU citizens who believe they should have stronger protection. The EU must introduce comprehensive legislation to protect their welfare without delay.

Carp is one of the most farmed species in the world. Every year in the EU production exceeds 60,000 tonnes, representing at least 26 million fish, with Poland (over 17,000 tonnes) and the Czech Republic (around 16,000 tonnes) accounting for more than half.

Over 5 million carp are farmed in the Czech Republic every year, making them the nation’s most farmed fish. Yet only 11.6% of fish were killed in slaughterhouses in 2023. Up to 36% of the carp farmed are slaughtered at street stalls or sold live for home slaughter – a Christmas tradition that subjects these sentient animals to stress, pain and prolonged suffering. And each year, a staggering 10,000 tonnes of live carp are exported from Czechia and Poland across Europe.

Compassion in World Farming is urging the European Union to take urgent action. The NGO is calling for:

The introduction of species-specific welfare laws covering water quality, stocking density, handling requirements during transport and slaughter;
Scientific opinions from the European Food Safety Authority on scientifically validated ways of farming, transporting and slaughtering aquatic animals;
Enforceable rules for fish welfare across all aquaculture systems;
The upcoming revision of the Animal Welfare legislation, as well as the EU Vision 2040 for fisheries and aquaculture, to address these issues as a matter of urgency.

Supporters are being urged to sign an EU-wide petition calling for urgent action.

Suffering Exposed: Undercover Investigation Reveals EU Fish Cruelty