Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Transport Welfare Advanced

Sheep transport is a high-welfare-risk period requiring attention to journey duration, space allowance, vehicle design, mixing of unfamiliar animals, and driver training.

Key Facts

Sheep transported for over 8 hours show elevated cortisol and welfare compromise
Space allowance during transport is regulated but frequently insufficient in practice
Mixing unfamiliar sheep during transport increases fighting and injury risk
Fasting before transport reduces soiling but must not cause dehydration
Driver skills including smooth acceleration and cornering significantly affect welfare

Welfare Considerations

Transport represents one of the most acute welfare risks in the sheep production cycle. Every stage from loading to unloading involves welfare challenges that require regulatory standards, vehicle design, stockperson training, and driver skills to minimise suffering.

What You Can Do

Support regulations limiting sheep journey durations
Learn about the welfare challenges of livestock transport
Advocate for driver training requirements in livestock transport licensing