Live export shipping of cattle, sheep, and goats causes significant welfare harm during voyages and at destination slaughter facilities.
Live export exposes animals to extreme heat, overcrowding, disease transmission, and weeks of confinement on ships designed for cargo. Animals too sick to stand are sometimes left in holding areas without treatment. Destination facilities may lack proper stunning equipment or may use traditional unstunned slaughter methods. Regulatory enforcement at sea is minimal. The welfare case for banning live export in favor of chilled meat export is overwhelming.