Farmed Animal Transport in Hot Climates

Transporting livestock in hot weather conditions causes heat stress, dehydration, and death at rates that represent a massive and preventable welfare failure.

Key Facts

Temperature inside unventilated livestock vehicles can exceed 50 degrees Celsius
Heat stress causes economic losses of billions of dollars annually in livestock production
Mortality rates during hot-weather transport can reach 10-20 times normal baseline
EU regulations prohibit transport of pigs above 35 degrees Celsius but enforcement is weak
Night transport, shade, and water provision dramatically reduce heat stress mortality

Welfare Considerations

Heat-related suffering during livestock transport is one of the most preventable welfare failures in animal agriculture. Animals die of hyperthermia and dehydration in vehicles while transport continues. Regulatory requirements for maximum temperatures are routinely violated because enforcement capacity is inadequate. Simple interventions — night transport scheduling, water provision, stocking density limits, vehicle ventilation standards — exist and are known to work.

What You Can Do

Advocate for enforceable temperature limits and mandatory rest stops in livestock transport regulations
Support local slaughter infrastructure development to reduce long-distance transport distances
Raise awareness of heat transport mortality as a welfare and food safety issue
Contact food companies asking about their maximum transport time and temperature policies