The live export of animals for slaughter and fattening has been a major animal welfare controversy for decades, with the UK banning live exports for slaughter and fattening from Great Britain in 2023.
Live animal export for slaughter subjects animals to extended journeys of up to several days with inadequate rest, water, and food. Heat stress during summer transports in southern Europe causes severe suffering and death. Animals transported to non-EU countries lose the protection of European transport regulations entirely. The welfare evidence strongly supports the principle that animals should be killed close to their farm of origin, with only chilled or frozen meat transported. The UK's 2023 ban was a landmark welfare achievement. Campaigners are pushing for equivalent bans across the EU and for ending the exemption for export to countries outside Europe.