The transport of livestock is a significant welfare event associated with fear, injury, dehydration, and thermal stress. Evidence-based welfare standards for vehicle design, journey duration, and handling can substantially reduce suffering.
Transport welfare is a major policy and practical focus because harms are predictable, measurable, and preventable. Key welfare determinants include vehicle design (ventilation, space allowance, non-slip flooring), loading and unloading practice (calm handling, appropriate ramps), journey duration (shorter is better), mixing of unfamiliar animals (causes aggression and injury), and thermal conditions (both heat and cold cause acute stress). Campaigns for slaughter close to the point of production — sending meat rather than live animals — represent the highest welfare outcome for long-distance movements. Training of drivers and handlers in animal behaviour and low-stress techniques produces measurable improvements in welfare outcomes independent of vehicle quality.