Animals transported to slaughter experience significant stress even in compliant conditions. Reform to reduce journey times and improve vehicle standards can reduce this suffering.
Transport stress compounds across the journey — loading causes fear responses, unfamiliar animals fight for space, temperature regulation fails in extremes, and deprivation of food and water causes increasing distress over time. Animals arrive at slaughter already physiologically stressed, which affects both their welfare at end of life and meat quality. Long-distance live export for fattening or slaughter in countries with weaker welfare laws exports welfare problems beyond regulatory reach. Short supply chains with local processing represent the most welfare-positive model.