Farmed Animals

Cattle Transport Welfare

Millions of cattle are transported annually under stressful conditions, causing significant suffering from heat, thirst, and injury.

Key Facts

An estimated 60 billion livestock transport journeys occur annually
Cattle can be transported for up to 29 hours without food or water in the EU
Heat stress during transport causes significant mortality
Loading and unloading is a primary source of injury and fear
Transport is associated with immune suppression and disease

Welfare Considerations

Cattle transport causes acute and cumulative suffering from crowding, unfamiliar companions, inability to thermoregulate, motion sickness, and fear of handlers. Animals transported long distances arrive at slaughter debilitated and immune-compromised. Trailer conditions often expose cattle to extreme heat or cold without adequate ventilation or bedding.

What You Can Do

Support shorter transport time limits in your region
Advocate for mandatory rest stops with food and water
Choose locally slaughtered beef to minimize transport
Support slaughter at farm of origin policies