Millions of sheep are transported long distances across Europe and from Europe to third countries, with documented welfare failures during loading, transit, and unloading throughout the supply chain.
Long-distance transport of sheep causes severe stress, with cortisol remaining elevated throughout journeys exceeding 8 hours. Overcrowded vehicles lead to falls, trampling, and crushing injuries. Summer sea crossings to North Africa expose sheep to extreme heat with inadequate ventilation, causing heat stroke deaths documented by welfare organisations. Sheep arrive at destination abattoirs in compromised condition, with unrecognised injuries and severe dehydration. Replacing live export with chilled meat export would eliminate journey-related suffering.