Sheep are among the most commonly transported farm animals and face specific welfare challenges during long-distance transport due to their highly reactive nature.
Sheep have an extreme flight response and are easily panicked by unfamiliar environments, rapid movement, and isolation. Transport stress causes elevated cortisol, reduced immune function, and weight loss. Rough handling during loading causes injury and acute fear. Long journeys in hot weather cause heat stress and dehydration. The welfare of sheep during transport depends critically on stockperson skill, vehicle design, journey duration, and weather conditions. Post-Brexit restrictions on live export have reduced but not eliminated the most welfare-damaging long-distance sheep journeys.