Farm Animal Welfare

Livestock Road Transport Advanced: Welfare During Long Journeys

Long-distance livestock transport causes significant cumulative welfare harms. Evidence-based journey time limits and conditions are critical welfare protections.

Key Facts

EU regulations currently allow 24+ hour journeys with minimal rest requirements
Animals show elevated stress hormones throughout transport rising over journey duration
Mixing unfamiliar animals during transport causes social stress and injuries
Temperature regulation during transport is inadequate for many livestock species
Broiler chickens may experience 12+ hours without water before slaughter
Short journey campaigns advocate slaughter closer to farm of origin

Welfare Considerations

Long-distance livestock transport is one of the most welfare-significant practices in modern food production. Cumulative effects of crowding, unfamiliar animals, vibration, noise, temperature fluctuations and food and water deprivation cause prolonged suffering. Evidence consistently supports shorter maximum journey times and improved conditions. The economic arguments for long journeys must be weighed against the welfare cost borne by millions of animals annually.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for shorter maximum livestock journey time limits
Choose locally sourced meat from producers using nearby abattoirs
Advocate for 'slaughter at source' policies to reduce transport distances
Engage with policy consultations on livestock transport regulation reform