Sheep are transported in large numbers for sale, finishing and slaughter, with welfare challenges including crowding, mixing, thermal stress and journey length.
Sheep are particularly susceptible to transport stress due to their strong gregarious behaviour, high flight response and vulnerability to respiratory disease under crowded conditions. Mixing of unfamiliar sheep causes fighting and injury. Long journeys without rest and water access cause dehydration, exhaustion and disease. The live export trade subjects sheep to far longer journeys than domestic transport regulations permit.