Farm Animal Welfare

Sheep Transport Welfare Advanced

Advanced review of sheep welfare during transport including journey duration limits, vehicle design, and post-transport recovery.

Key Facts

The EU's Animal Transport Regulation limits unweaned lambs to 8 hours journey time
Sheep experience acute stress during loading, transport, and unloading
Vehicle ventilation and stocking density critically affect transport welfare
Post-transport immunity suppression increases disease risk in recently transported sheep
Long-distance sheep transport has been the subject of significant welfare campaigns

Welfare Considerations

Transport is one of the most stressful events in the life of farmed sheep. The combination of unfamiliar vehicles, crowding, noise, vibration, and unfamiliar animals creates acute stress with measurable physiological consequences. Reducing journey times, improving vehicle design, and ensuring adequate rest periods are the most effective welfare interventions available.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for stricter journey time limits in EU transport regulations
Choose lamb from farms that minimise transport distances
Advocate for mandatory rest periods and water access on long-distance sheep journeys