Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Transport Welfare and Journey Length

Long-distance cattle transport causes significant welfare harm. Journey length limits and improved vehicle standards reduce suffering.

Key Facts

EU law allows cattle to be transported for up to 29 hours before mandatory rest stops
Journey times for cattle exported from the UK to mainland Europe have exceeded 60 hours
Dehydration, exhaustion, and injury increase progressively with journey length in cattle
Rest stop facilities vary dramatically in quality, with poor facilities negating welfare benefit
Slaughter near point of production eliminates long-distance live export welfare costs

Welfare Considerations

Long-distance live cattle transport is a significant and widely condemned welfare practice. Animals experience dehydration, exhaustion, injury, and temperature stress over journeys that can last multiple days. The practice is driven by economic factors - live animals can be slaughtered under different regulatory frameworks - and can be substantially replaced by trade in carcasses and products.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for maximum journey length limits in EU and UK cattle transport law
Choose meat from local supply chains minimizing transport distances where possible
Advocate for trade in chilled carcasses and processed products over live animal export
Support political parties and candidates with strong animal transport welfare positions