Farm Animals

Cattle Long-Distance Transport Welfare

Long-distance cattle transport remains one of the most challenging welfare issues globally, with journey times, conditions and handling all determining welfare outcomes.

Key Facts

EU regulations permit cattle transport up to 8 hours without rest, feed and water
Journeys over 8 hours require 24-hour rest periods with documented welfare checks
Sea transport of live cattle over thousands of miles causes extreme welfare compromise
Heat stress, dehydration, injuries and mortality all increase with transport duration
Slaughter at origin with chilled meat transport eliminates live transport welfare harms

Welfare Considerations

Long-distance live transport causes severe and prolonged suffering that chilled meat trade makes unnecessary. Legislative reform to end live export for slaughter would be the greatest single transport welfare improvement.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns to end live export for slaughter from the UK and EU
Contact your MP or MEP to advocate for restrictions on long-distance live animal transport
Choose beef and lamb from domestic or local supply chains