Long-distance live sheep transport causes significant welfare impacts including dehydration, exhaustion, injury and mortality. UK exports of live sheep resumed post-Brexit — a contested welfare issue.
Sheep transported for over 8 hours show measurable welfare deterioration: elevated cortisol, reduced immune function, weight loss of 5-8% body weight, and increased susceptibility to respiratory disease. The combination of handling stress at loading, motion sickness, social disruption and temperature extremes creates a cumulative welfare burden. The RSPCA and Compassion in World Farming both advocate for a maximum 8-hour journey time limit for all livestock. Replacement of live export with trade in carcasses or chilled meat would eliminate this welfare cost entirely while maintaining economic value for farmers.