EU livestock transport regulations face reform pressure following scientific evidence that current standards cause significant welfare harm to millions of animals annually.
EU livestock transport reform is one of the most significant pending welfare policy decisions in European animal agriculture. Current regulations allow journey times that cause significant welfare harm through thermal stress, dehydration, and exhaustion. The scientific case for reform is robust. Political barriers include industry resistance from member states with strong live export interests. Consumer support for transport reform represents an important route to welfare improvement.