Cattle Farming

Cattle Long-Distance Transport Welfare and Legislation

Long-distance transport of cattle causes significant welfare problems including exhaustion, dehydration, and injury, driving calls for legislative reform.

Key Facts

EU law previously allowed transport journeys of up to 29 hours without rest
Post-Brexit UK legislation reduced maximum journey times for slaughter animals
High stocking densities during transport increase injury rates and stress
Temperature extremes during transport cause additional welfare problems
Animals in transit cannot eat, drink, or rest normally for extended periods

Welfare Considerations

Long-distance transport causes cumulative suffering from crowding, motion sickness, temperature stress, and exhaustion. The welfare case for shorter maximum journey times and journey-to-slaughter rather than export of live animals for fattening is strong. Economic interests in live export have historically prevailed over welfare evidence.

What You Can Do

Support legislation banning long-distance live export for slaughter
Choose locally reared and slaughtered meat to reduce transport-related suffering
Advocate for maximum journey time reductions and improved transport conditions