EU Farmed Animal Transport Welfare

Transport is one of the highest-risk periods for farmed animal welfare, with EU regulations setting standards that are frequently violated and imperfectly enforced.

Key Facts

EU Regulation 1/2005 sets maximum journey times, space allowances, and rest requirements
Journey times of 8-19 hours are common, with some long-distance exports lasting over 24 hours
Animals transported long distances show elevated cortisol, injuries, and mortality
NGO investigations have documented widespread non-compliance with EU transport rules

Welfare Considerations

Transport exposes animals to cumulative stressors including loading, vibration, noise, space restriction, temperature extremes, hunger, and thirst. Even well-managed transport causes measurable physiological stress. The most welfare-protective approach is slaughtering animals as close to the farm as possible, reducing journey time and the need for live transport. EU debate over 8-hour journey time limits for all animals has intensified following multiple documentation of suffering during long-distance transports.

What You Can Do

Support the 8 Hours campaign for maximum 8-hour EU live animal transport
Choose locally-sourced meat and animal products when possible
Support slaughterhouse access for small farms to reduce transport distances
Advocate with your MEP for stronger enforcement of existing transport regulations