Farm Animals

Livestock Transport Rest Stop Welfare

Animals transported for long distances require adequate rest, water, and food at approved rest stops to prevent welfare deterioration.

Key Facts

EU law requires stops for watering and feeding after 8 hours for most species
Many rest stops lack adequate facilities or are bypassed by non-compliant transporters
Young unweaned calves are particularly vulnerable during long transport journeys
Technology including GPS tracking improves compliance monitoring in some jurisdictions

Welfare Considerations

Transport without adequate rest causes progressive dehydration, exhaustion, and metabolic stress that accumulates to severe welfare compromise. Animals arriving at their destination in poor body condition have suffered throughout the journey even if no visible injuries are present.

What You Can Do

Support enforcement of existing transport rest stop requirements
Advocate for reduced maximum transport journey times for all livestock
Choose animal products from supply chains that publish transport welfare compliance data
Support investment in high-welfare rest stop facilities along major transport routes