EU livestock transport regulations are under review following extensive evidence of welfare failures during long journeys and at third-country borders. Reform proposals could protect millions of animals.
EU livestock transport reform is one of the highest-leverage welfare policy opportunities in European animal agriculture. Current regulations permit journey durations that cause cumulative welfare harm, and enforcement at third-country destinations is impossible once animals leave EU territory. Animals transported from Northern Europe to the Middle East or North Africa for slaughter endure journeys of several days, exposed to temperature extremes, overcrowding, and inadequate water access — then encounter slaughter practices that may fall far short of EU standards. The welfare solution is clear: mandate slaughter at or near origin with chilled carcass export, ending the live export of animals for slaughter to non-EU countries. This is achievable without significant economic loss to producers if implemented with appropriate transition support.