Farm Animal Welfare

Cattle Long Distance Live Export Welfare

Long distance live animal export causes significant welfare harm through prolonged transport stress, injury, and exposure to conditions that fall below exporting country standards.

Key Facts

Journey times of over 8 hours significantly increase mortality and injury rates in cattle
Thermal stress during summer transport causes significant suffering and death
Animals exported to countries with lower welfare standards often face conditions banned at home
The EU restricted live exports to third countries for slaughter from 2023
Chilled meat exports provide equivalent economic outcomes without the welfare costs of live transport

Welfare Considerations

Long distance live export subjects animals to prolonged stress, injury, and conditions they would not legally face in their country of origin. Replacing live exports with chilled meat trade eliminates these welfare costs while maintaining economic value.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns to end long distance live export for slaughter
Choose products from producers and retailers committed to not using long distance live export
Advocate for international standards for live transport that protect animal welfare