Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Welfare and Long Distance Export

Long-distance live cattle export causes significant welfare harm. The welfare case for trade in carcasses and processed products rather than live animals is strong.

Key Facts

Cattle transported from Australia to Southeast Asia travel for up to 2 weeks by ship
Heat, overcrowding, disease, and injury during sea voyage cause significant welfare harm
The live export trade from Australia has faced repeated welfare scandals documented in media investigations
Exporting chilled carcasses rather than live animals eliminates transport welfare costs completely
Consumer boycotts and government restrictions following scandals have reduced some export volumes

Welfare Considerations

Long-distance live cattle export is among the most welfare-compromising practices in global animal agriculture. Animals spend weeks confined in stressful conditions with high mortality and injury rates, for economic reasons that could be achieved through trade in carcasses. The welfare case for eliminating live export in favor of product trade is overwhelming, and progress - though slow - is occurring.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for a complete ban on long-distance live cattle export in your country
Choose beef that excludes live-exported animals from supply chains where traceable
Advocate for international trade agreements that incentivize product rather than live animal trade
Support political parties and candidates committed to live export reform