Long-distance sea transport of live cattle and sheep causes documented severe suffering. This page examines the evidence and explores alternatives.
Long-distance live animal sea export is associated with some of the most severe documented welfare failures in agriculture. Animals endure weeks at sea in crowded pens, often exposed to extreme heat with limited ventilation, increased disease pressure from stress and close contact, and inadequate access to water and feed. Mortality events are frequent. Surviving animals often arrive in poor body condition. The fundamental problem is that the stresses of loading, sea transport, and unloading are additive and cumulative. Meat and meat products can be transported in chilled or frozen form with no welfare implications, making live export for slaughter economically replaceable.