Long-Distance Cattle Transport Welfare

The welfare challenges and regulatory frameworks around the transport of cattle across long distances, including international live export.

Key Facts

Live cattle are transported thousands of kilometers between countries for fattening and slaughter
EU rules limit transport times but derogations frequently allow journeys of 24+ hours
Stress, injury, and mortality increase significantly with transport duration
Heat stress during transport is a major welfare risk especially in summer
The EU voted to end live export beyond its borders by 2026, pending implementation

Welfare Considerations

Long-distance cattle transport involves cumulative welfare insults: loading stress, unfamiliar environments, social disruption, motion sickness, dehydration, heat or cold exposure, and the inability to rest naturally. Even well-managed transport causes elevated cortisol, immune suppression, and weight loss. For animals transported to countries with weaker welfare standards at slaughter, the journey represents the start of a period of greater suffering. Transport to slaughter within the region where animals are raised remains the welfare-preferred option.

What You Can Do

Support the end of live export for slaughter beyond regional areas
Choose meat products from animals transported minimal distances
Advocate for journey time limits and better enforcement of transport regulations
Support investment in local slaughter infrastructure
Raise the issue with your supermarket and elected representatives