Long-distance live export of animals for slaughter and fattening is one of the most significant sources of farm animal suffering globally. Reforms are progressing but slowly.
Long-distance live export causes acute and prolonged suffering. Animals are crowded into vehicles, deprived of adequate food and water, and subjected to temperature extremes. Injury from crowding and falls causes pain that goes untreated over many hours. The UK's ban on live export for slaughter was achieved after decades of campaigning and represents a genuine welfare win. The argument for live export - that it is needed for meat supply chains - can be addressed by exporting meat as carcasses rather than live animals.