Farmed Animals

Livestock Transport and Welfare Standards

Long-distance livestock transport causes significant welfare harm from exhaustion, injury, dehydration, and thermal stress.

Key Facts

EU regulations permit cattle transport for up to 29 hours without rest
Research shows welfare deteriorates significantly beyond 8 hours of transport
Mixing of unfamiliar animals causes aggression during transport
Heat and cold stress during transport lead to significant mortality
Shorter journey times and mobile slaughter are welfare alternatives

Welfare Considerations

Transport is one of the most significant welfare challenges in livestock production. Animals experience fear, injury from handling, heat or cold stress, and exhaustion during long journeys. Evidence supports that journey times should be minimised and that mobile slaughter or regional abattoirs can significantly reduce transport-related suffering.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for lower maximum journey time limits
Advocate for local abattoirs and regional slaughter infrastructure
Choose meat from locally slaughtered animals where possible
Support monitoring and enforcement of transport welfare regulations
Raise awareness about transport welfare among consumers and retailers