Transport welfare is one of the most evidence-rich areas for reform, with clear interventions available. Understanding the welfare priorities in transport helps advocates focus effectively.
Farm animal transport concentrates multiple welfare stressors simultaneously: novelty of the transport environment, physical restriction, social disruption through mixing, thermal stress, food and water withdrawal, and the physiological effects of motion. Research has identified the most welfare-significant points — loading (when stress peaks), prolonged journey time, and the conditions on arrival at slaughter. The reforms with the strongest welfare evidence include: journey time limits enforced with electronic monitoring; temperature-controlled vehicles; pre-transport rest requirements; and slaughter in local facilities to eliminate long-distance transport entirely. Each of these is feasible and has strong policy support.