The transport of millions of live animals across Europe for fattening and slaughter causes significant welfare harm that could be avoided by slaughtering animals closer to their point of origin.
Long-distance live animal transport causes cumulative welfare harm that increases with journey duration. Animals that are unfit for transport, pregnant, or young are most vulnerable. Inspections at borders can detect violations but do not address the inherent welfare costs of long journeys. Slaughter at origin with transport of chilled meat eliminates much of this suffering. The economic argument for live animal transport is weakening as refrigeration technology improves.