The European transport regulation states that animals may not be transported if they are "unable to move painlessly on their own." ^[6] However, the NVWA uses guidelines for inspection that have been drawn up by the meat lobby itself — a sector with a clear financial interest in a more lenient interpretation of the rules. ^[7]

According to these guidelines, cows with "impaired" or "reduced mobility" may be transported, even if they, for example, walk "with shortened steps and a curved back" — an evident sign of pain. Only when a cow can no longer stand on her four legs does the lobby speak of "severely impaired mobility" and thus of a violation.

This interpretation sharply contrasts with the original legal text, which prohibits any transport of animals that cannot walk painlessly. In practice, the animal industry thus avoids many fines because the NVWA complies with its guidelines.