Farmed Animals

Livestock Transport Welfare Over Long Distances

Live animal transport causes significant suffering through crowding, temperature extremes, food and water deprivation, and exhaustion.

Key Facts

Millions of cattle, sheep, and pigs are transported thousands of miles annually
EU regulations allow 24-hour journeys with only limited rest stops
Animals can go without water for up to 14 hours under current rules
Temperature regulation in transport vehicles is often inadequate for extreme weather
Injuries, disease, and death rates rise significantly with journey length

Welfare Considerations

Long-distance live animal transport is one of the most welfare-damaging practices in modern food systems. Animals experience acute fear, crowding stress, dehydration, and exhaustion over journeys lasting days. The alternative — transporting chilled or frozen meat rather than live animals — achieves the same economic objective without the welfare cost.

What You Can Do

Advocate for maximum journey time limits of 8 hours for all livestock
Support replacement of live animal exports with chilled meat trade
Choose meat from producers committed to short-journey slaughter
Monitor live animal export developments in your country and protest harmful practices
Support organizations investigating long-distance live animal transport conditions