Sheep Transport Welfare: Long Journeys and the Limits of Current Regulation

Millions of sheep are transported long distances annually for fattening, sale and slaughter. The welfare impacts of transport on sheep are well-documented but poorly regulated in many parts of the world.

Key Facts

Sheep are prey animals with strong flight responses; loading, unloading and unfamiliar environments during transport cause significant acute stress
Journey durations permitted under EU law can reach 29 hours for sheep under certain conditions — welfare scientists consider this excessive based on cortisol and behavioural data
Mixing of unfamiliar sheep during transport causes aggression, injury and additional stress; animals transported in stable social groups show better welfare outcomes
Thermal stress — both heat and cold — is a major welfare risk in sheep transport, particularly in vehicles not designed for temperature regulation
Post-transport recovery takes significantly longer than journey time — welfare effects persist for 24-48 hours after arrival in many studies

Welfare Considerations

Sheep transport welfare sits within the broader live animal transport debate. The evidence that long-distance transport causes significant and sustained welfare harm in sheep is strong. Reducing journey times, improving vehicle design, requiring pre-journey fitness assessment and eliminating transport of unweaned lambs are the most evidence-based regulatory improvements. Consumer choices that support local supply chains and short journey distances are the most direct individual lever for reducing sheep transport welfare harm.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for 8-hour maximum journey time limits for sheep and other farmed animals
Choose lamb from short supply chains with local slaughter wherever possible
Advocate for mandatory fitness-for-transport assessment for all sheep before loading
Engage with your elected representatives about live animal transport reform as an achievable welfare improvement
Support Compassion in World Farming campaigns on live animal transport