The EU has some of the world's most detailed livestock transport regulations, yet enforcement gaps and long-distance exports to third countries continue to cause significant animal suffering.
Long-distance livestock transport causes measurable physiological stress throughout the journey. Animals experience heat or cold stress, dehydration, hunger, social disruption, and injuries from movement. Research shows stress hormones remain elevated throughout multi-hour journeys with no return to baseline. Export to third countries — particularly to countries like Turkey or Egypt — exposes animals to conditions far below EU standards including inadequate vehicles, brutal handling, and inhumane slaughter. The welfare gap between EU domestic and export standards is one of the most serious outstanding transport welfare issues.