Long-distance transport of livestock causes significant welfare problems, yet millions of animals are moved thousands of miles annually for slaughter or further fattening.
Livestock transport represents one of the most acute welfare challenges in food production. The stress of loading, unfamiliar environments, noise, vibration, temperature extremes, and social disruption compounds over long journeys. Animals arrive at destinations exhausted and injured, affecting both welfare and meat quality. Shorter transport times and better vehicle standards reduce suffering. Replacing live animal exports with trade in meat products would eliminate the worst welfare impacts.