Companion Animals

Equine Transport Welfare: Long-Distance and International Standards

Overview of horse transport welfare, with focus on long-distance and international transport challenges.

Key Facts

Long-distance horse transport causes significant welfare costs including fatigue and injury risk
EU regulations limit journey times but exemptions for export remain controversial
Horses transported over 8 hours show elevated cortisol and reduced welfare indicators
Rest stops with water and food access are legally required but compliance varies
Export of horses from Europe to third countries for slaughter raises major welfare concerns

Welfare Considerations

Equine transport welfare involves acute and chronic welfare impacts from long journeys, inadequate rest, and stressful loading and unloading. International transport for slaughter represents the most extreme welfare challenge, with horses enduring multi-day journeys to countries with lower welfare standards. EU regulatory reform to reduce journey times and improve conditions is a live welfare advocacy issue. Consumer choices and campaigning can influence outcomes.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns to reform EU horse transport regulations
Advocate for ending long-distance live export of horses for slaughter
Follow World Horse Welfare and similar organisations for transport welfare advocacy