Long-distance transport of live cattle is one of the most serious welfare problems in the global livestock trade. Journeys lasting days or weeks cause exhaustion, dehydration, injury, and disease in millions of animals annually.
Long-distance live animal transport causes suffering that is documented, predictable, and largely preventable. Cattle on multi-day or multi-week journeys experience fatigue from inability to lie down adequately, dehydration from restricted water access, respiratory disease from overcrowding and poor ventilation, and traumatic injuries from falls. Heat stress during summer months is a major cause of mortality and suffering, particularly on sea voyages to hot climates. The argument for continuing live export - market preferences for freshly slaughtered meat - does not justify this scale of preventable suffering. The UK ban on live exports for slaughter represents the right direction; international efforts to extend similar protections are essential.