Current status of live animal export reform movements and their welfare implications.
Live export welfare reform has accelerated significantly following public scandals that highlighted systematic welfare failures that regulatory assurances had failed to prevent. The Australian sheep export phase-out represents the most significant welfare victory in live export history, though cattle exports continue with enhanced monitoring. The European court ruling on export welfare obligations throughout the journey represents a significant legal development that may drive further reform. The welfare case against live export rests on the cumulative stress of transport combined with slaughter conditions in destination countries that fall below exporting country standards - a welfare gap that is inherent to the trade structure.