Long-distance transport of live animals within and from Europe causes significant welfare harms that have generated sustained campaigning for reform and tighter regulatory limits.
Long-distance live animal transport represents one of the most significant and well-documented welfare problems in European agriculture. Animals transported over many hours or days in crowded vehicles experience cumulative stress, dehydration, heat, cold, and physical exhaustion. The regulatory framework nominally limits journey times and requires rest, water, and feed stops, but enforcement is inconsistent and maximum permitted journey durations remain far beyond what welfare science supports. The export of live animals outside the EU to countries with lower welfare standards is a particular concern, as European welfare protections no longer apply once animals cross the external border. Replacing long-distance live animal trade with chilled or frozen meat trade would substantially reduce transport-related suffering.