Long-distance cattle transport is one of the most significant welfare challenges in the livestock industry, causing injury, disease and suffering across millions of animals.
Long-distance cattle transport causes multiple compounding welfare harms. Animals not accustomed to transport experience acute fear and stress in unfamiliar environments. Mixing of unfamiliar animals causes fighting and social disruption. Overcrowded conditions prevent normal movement, increase injury risk and cause heat stress. Extended journeys cause fatigue, dehydration and immunosuppression that predispose animals to transport fever. The welfare case for reducing journey times and distances is overwhelming. Slaughter at origin facilities near farms eliminates transport stress entirely and produces high-quality chilled meat products that compete effectively in export markets. The persistence of long-distance live transport is maintained by market infrastructure and trade economics rather than any welfare advantage.