Long-Distance Livestock Transport: Welfare Science and Policy

Long-distance transport of live animals is one of the most contentious welfare issues in European agriculture, with significant evidence of suffering during journeys.

Key Facts

Live animals are transported across the EU for up to 29 hours before mandatory rest stops
Sheep and cattle have been documented dying during EU-approved long-distance transports
Journey time limits significantly affect mortality and injury rates in transported animals
Slaughter near the farm of origin followed by chilled meat transport is the welfare-optimal alternative
Post-Brexit, UK has powers to introduce stricter transport standards than EU minimums

Welfare Considerations

Long-distance transport imposes multiple simultaneous welfare insults: social disruption, dehydration, food deprivation, thermal extremes, motion sickness, fear and physical injury. Animals transported in poor condition suffer more severely. Deaths during transport represent the most dramatic welfare failure but surviving animals may arrive significantly compromised. The economic rationale for long-distance live transport is that live animals command higher prices in destination markets, but the welfare cost is substantial and alternatives exist.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for stricter journey time limits in all live animal transport regulations
Advocate for slaughter near farm of origin with chilled meat transport as the default
Choose products from supply chains with documented short transport distances
Support investigation and enforcement of existing transport regulations