Farmed Animals

Long-Distance Cattle Transport Welfare

Long-distance live cattle transport causes severe stress, injury, and mortality, raising major animal welfare concerns.

Key Facts

The EU allows cattle to be transported for up to 29 hours before rests
Some international journeys last many days on crowded ships
Heat, dehydration, and injury are common on long transports
Animals transported long distances show elevated cortisol for days after arrival
Replacing live transport with carcass trade is a key welfare improvement

Welfare Considerations

Long-distance transport exposes cattle to prolonged stress, physical injury from crowding and falls, temperature extremes, and inadequate water provision. Shifting to slaughter closer to farms and trading meat rather than live animals is the most effective welfare solution.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns to limit transport journey times
Buy beef from producers who commit to short transport distances
Contact your MP or elected representative about transport rules
Support the phase-out of live export for slaughter