Long-distance live animal transport causes significant welfare harm through journey duration, overcrowding, thermal stress, and injury. International transport standards vary enormously, and enforcement remains a persistent challenge.
Long-distance live animal transport represents one of the most severe and most preventable welfare burdens in the agricultural system. The economic drivers — live animals command higher prices in some markets — override welfare considerations in the absence of strong regulatory frameworks. Journey duration, stocking density, thermal extremes, and inadequate water access combine to cause significant suffering to billions of animals annually. The existence of economically viable alternatives — chilled carcass and processed meat export — removes the economic justification for prolonged live transport. The welfare case for transitioning from live to product export is strong, and advocacy in this area has achievable policy targets.