Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Long-Distance Export Stress Reduction

Long-distance live cattle export remains contentious, with journey length and conditions strongly influencing welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

EU regulations limit cattle journey times to 29 hours with rest and watering stops
Sea journeys of 3-5 weeks are permitted for cattle from some exporting countries
Mortality rates during sea export average 0.1-0.3% but can spike in extreme heat
Mixing of unfamiliar cattle during rest stops increases fighting and injury
Carcass exports are often economically feasible but face market resistance

Welfare Considerations

Long-distance transport imposes cumulative stress from motion, noise, social disruption, thermal challenges and food/water restriction. Journey duration is the single strongest predictor of welfare compromise. Shifting to slaughter closer to origin with chilled meat export would dramatically improve outcomes.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns to end live long-distance export in favour of carcass trade
Choose beef from local or regional supply chains where possible
Contact elected representatives about tightening live export regulations
Support countries developing local slaughter infrastructure