The transportation of cattle over long distances is one of the most significant welfare challenges in livestock production, with millions of animals enduring prolonged journeys annually.
Cattle experience significant welfare impacts during long-distance transport including loading and unloading stress, crowding, temperature extremes, inability to eat and drink normally, injuries from falls and fighting, and respiratory disease. Journeys to non-EU countries often continue under much lower welfare standards than EU regulations require. The EU has repeatedly been criticized for failing to enforce its own regulations at borders and sea crossings. Animals transported by sea face additional risks including extreme weather, vessel overcrowding, and inadequate veterinary access. Several animal welfare organizations campaign for replacing live animal exports with trade in meat and genetic material.