Long-distance cattle transport causes cumulative welfare harm through stress, dehydration, injury and disease, with EU and international regulations setting standards that remain inconsistently enforced.
Long-distance transport imposes cumulative welfare costs on cattle through stress, dehydration, physical injury from movement and fall, and post-transport disease. Reducing journey times, improving rest stop quality and enforcement, and developing electronic monitoring systems all reduce this welfare burden. The welfare case for slaughter closer to the farm of origin is strong where economically feasible.