Long-distance cattle transport within and beyond the EU causes significant welfare impacts, with reform efforts seeking to reduce journey times and improve conditions.
Cattle transported for extended periods suffer welfare impacts from food and water deprivation, heat or cold stress, movement restriction, and the stress of unfamiliar companions and environments. Young calves are particularly vulnerable to dehydration and cold. Loading and unloading are high-stress events causing injury. Transport to non-EU countries with lower welfare standards exposes animals to conditions prohibited within the EU. Reducing maximum journey times and improving transport conditions directly reduces the welfare burden of commercial cattle transport.