Livestock Transport in Extreme Heat

Transporting farm animals during high temperatures causes severe suffering, heat stress, and death — a problem intensifying as climate change increases heatwave frequency and severity.

Key Facts

Cattle can die from heat stress after just 6 hours of transport in temperatures above 30C
Pigs are particularly vulnerable: they cannot sweat and have limited panting capacity
EU regulations set maximum transport temperatures but enforcement is inconsistent
During European heatwaves, welfare incidents on livestock transport vehicles have increased sharply
Heat stress during transport reduces meat quality, increasing industry financial losses alongside animal suffering

Welfare Considerations

Heat stress during transport is one of the most preventable forms of farm animal suffering. Animals in crowded, poorly ventilated vehicles suffer acute physiological distress — elevated cortisol, respiratory distress, hyperthermia, and in severe cases organ failure and death. The welfare impact falls disproportionately on species with limited thermoregulation. Solutions include temperature-triggered transport bans, mandatory ventilation standards, maximum journey length reductions during heat, and resting requirements. Climate change makes this issue more urgent with every year.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for heat-based transport bans during extreme weather events
Advocate for mandatory vehicle temperature monitoring and reporting
Back EU and national proposals for reduced maximum transport durations
Ask food companies about their livestock transport welfare policies in summer months