International live animal transport involves millions of cattle, sheep, and pigs annually - welfare during long sea and road journeys is severely compromised in many trade routes.
International live transport welfare represents one of the most severe and large-scale welfare failures in global animal agriculture. Sea voyages lasting weeks in tropical heat with high stocking densities cause heat stroke, dehydration, injury, and mass mortality events. The economic argument for live export over chilled meat export rests on price differentials that do not account for welfare costs. Consumer boycotts of companies involved in live export, advocacy for EU trade conditions requiring welfare standards, and support for national bans all contribute to reform pressure. The UK's partial live export ban is a step toward eliminating the most severe welfare harms.