Sheep are transported millions of times each year for sale, slaughter, and export; long-distance transport causes significant welfare problems that are well documented.
Sheep transport welfare is an area where evidence of suffering is overwhelming and regulatory standards fall systematically short of protecting animals. Long journeys, inadequate rest, overcrowding, and temperature extremes expose sheep to prolonged distress and physical harm. The economic driver of live trade — higher prices for live animals in destination markets — consistently overrides welfare considerations. Improving sheep transport welfare requires stricter journey time limits, better enforcement of existing rules, and a policy shift toward slaughter near origin with chilled product trade. The welfare case for abolishing long-distance live export of sheep for slaughter is strong.