Transport is one of the most stressful events in a pig's life, and journey duration, vehicle conditions, and handling practices all significantly affect welfare outcomes.
Pig transport causes a cascade of welfare insults: loading stress, unfamiliar environments, motion, temperature extremes, and in many cases mixing with unfamiliar pigs causing fighting. Post-Brexit, the UK retains the right to reduce maximum journey times and strengthen vehicle standards. The welfare cost of long-distance transport is substantial, with journey duration, loading density, ventilation, and personnel training all significantly affecting outcomes. Local abattoir access substantially reduces transport welfare costs.