Livestock Transport Welfare: The Evidence for Shorter Journeys

Long-distance live animal transport causes significant welfare harm that could be substantially reduced by slaughtering animals closer to their point of production.

Key Facts

EU regulations permit cattle transport for up to 29 hours without rest, feed, or water under current rules
Animals transported in mixed conditions of heat, cold, vibration, and novel social environments show elevated stress hormones
Post-transport mortality in poultry can reach 1-2% on long journeys
The EU has proposed significant tightening of transport rules including journey time limits and temperature controls
Slaughter at origin with chilled meat transport is technically feasible and eliminates most transport welfare harms
Live animal export from Europe to third countries with lower welfare standards affects millions of animals annually

Welfare Considerations

Transport welfare harm is not limited to extreme cases - all transport imposes some degree of stress, thermal challenge, and social disruption. Long journeys compound these effects until animals arrive in poor condition. The alternative - transporting chilled or frozen carcasses rather than live animals - is economically viable and eliminates the welfare cost of live transport entirely for most production purposes. Political resistance comes primarily from destination country interests and livestock export industries.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for mandatory journey time limits in EU and national transport regulations
Advocate for ending long-distance live export outside the EU to countries with lower welfare standards
Choose locally produced animal products that minimize transport distances where possible
Back the replacement of live export with chilled meat trade through political advocacy
Donate to organizations monitoring live export welfare and documenting conditions