Farm Animals

Livestock Transport in Extreme Heat

Transporting livestock in hot weather causes heat stress, exhaustion, and death, yet animals continue to be moved during dangerous conditions.

Key Facts

Heat stress during transport kills millions of livestock annually worldwide
Pigs are particularly vulnerable due to lack of sweat glands
Poultry mortality during hot-weather transport can reach 1% or more per journey
Water deprivation requirements before transport increase vulnerability to heat
Many countries lack specific temperature thresholds that trigger transport bans

Welfare Considerations

Transport in high temperatures creates a convergence of stressors: restricted movement, social disruption, unfamiliar environments, and thermal load. Animals that cannot regulate their body temperature through sweating or panting — including pigs in crowded trucks — are at severe risk. Regulatory frameworks that set maximum temperature limits, mandatory rest stops with water access, and journey time restrictions in hot weather are essential.

What You Can Do

Support legislation setting heat-based restrictions on livestock transport
Advocate for mandatory water access during all transport journeys
Choose animal products from local farms with short transport distances
Support welfare organizations monitoring transport conditions