EU Livestock Transport Regulation: Gaps and Reforms

EU animal transport regulation is being reformed in response to documented welfare failures, with significant implications for millions of animals transported annually.

Key Facts

The EU transports approximately 50 million live animals annually across member states
The 2005 Transport Regulation (EC 1/2005) sets journey time limits that are routinely exceeded
A 2020 European Court of Auditors report found the regulation was not achieving its welfare objectives
The European Commission proposed a new regulation in 2023 with stricter journey limits
Live exports to non-EU countries from the EU are among the most welfare-problematic journeys

Welfare Considerations

Animals on long EU transport journeys experience cumulative welfare harm from restriction, dehydration, temperature extremes, and exhaustion. Journey time limits are regularly exceeded without meaningful enforcement consequences. Export to non-EU countries exposes animals to welfare conditions that fall below EU minimum standards without any regulatory protection. Reform of EU transport regulation represents one of the highest-impact potential welfare improvements for the largest numbers of animals.

What You Can Do

Support the EU 8-hour maximum journey time proposal for all transport
Advocate for immediate implementation of new EU transport regulations
Contact your MEP to urge support for stronger transport welfare requirements
Choose domestically produced meat as a way to reduce transport welfare harm
Back enforcement mechanisms that give transport regulation real deterrent effect