Horse Welfare During Long-Distance Transport

Long-distance transport of horses for slaughter and trade raises serious welfare concerns about journey duration, conditions, and rest and water provision.

Key Facts

EU regulations permit horse journeys of up to 8 hours without rest, food, or water
Long-distance export journeys for horses to slaughter destinations can take over 40 hours
Horses transported long distances show elevated stress hormones, weight loss, and increased disease risk
The 8-hour rest rule is poorly enforced and horses are often transported much longer without adequate breaks
Campaigners have long sought a maximum 8-hour journey limit for horses sent to slaughter

Welfare Considerations

Long-distance horse transport causes significant suffering: horses must stand for extended periods, cannot display natural social behaviour, and face dehydration and food deprivation over long journeys. The stress of transport is compounded by rough roads, temperature extremes, and proximity to unfamiliar horses. Respiratory disease risk increases dramatically with long transport durations. The conditions on some long-distance live export journeys to slaughter destinations are among the worst documented in farm animal welfare. Industry resistance to journey limit reductions reflects economic interests that consistently outweigh welfare evidence in regulatory decisions. Consumer demand for imported horsemeat from distant markets ultimately drives these welfare-compromising journeys.

What You Can Do

Support campaign organisations seeking an 8-hour journey limit for horses transported to slaughter
Advocate for the end of live long-distance export of horses for slaughter
Report suspected violations of transport welfare regulations to relevant authorities
Be aware that horsemeat from some markets involves long-distance transport welfare compromises