Farmed Animals

Long-Distance Cattle Transport and Welfare

Long-distance transport of live cattle causes significant suffering through exhaustion, injury, dehydration, and unfamiliar social groupings.

Key Facts

Cattle may travel over 1,000 km before slaughter in some countries
Transport stress suppresses immunity and increases disease incidence
Feed and water withdrawal before transport adds to animal stress
Falls and injuries are common during loading and unloading

Welfare Considerations

Long-distance live export causes cattle to experience prolonged stress, extreme temperatures, rough seas on ships, and total social disruption. The EU and Australia have faced significant pressure over live export scandals. Transporting chilled or frozen meat instead of live animals is a welfare-positive alternative.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns to end live animal export
Choose meat from locally slaughtered animals when possible
Advocate for mandatory rest stops and water provision during transport
Donate to animal welfare organizations campaigning against live export