EU Regulation 1/2005
Requires journey logs, regular water/feed stops, and space allowances. Widely violated in practice; the EU Court of Justice ruled welfare obligations apply even outside EU territory.
Billions on the Move
- 2B+: Animals transported globally per year.
- Up to 48 hours: Without food, water, or rest in the EU (longer elsewhere).
- 10M+: Animals die in transit annually (FAO estimates).
THE CONDITIONS
Heat and cold stress
Animals die from hyperthermia in summer transports and hypothermia in winter. Sheep in Australian summer heat exports to the Middle East face routine temperature record violations.
Crowding and injury
Animals are trampled, unable to lie down, and suffer injuries from sharp projections. Department of Agriculture audits find violations in a majority of US trucks.
No food or water
The EU allows up to 29-48 hours without water depending on species. Research shows dehydration causes severe stress; drinking nipples are often broken or inaccessible.
Long-distance exports
The EU exports 3.7M cattle and sheep per year to non-EU countries with weaker welfare laws. Sea voyages to the Middle East and Southeast Asia can take weeks; Australia halted some live exports after public outcry.
THE NUMBERS
2B+
Animals transported globally per year
48hrs
Maximum EU journey time (often exceeded)
10M+
Animals estimated to die in transit annually
3.7M
EU cattle and sheep exported live per year
What Reform Looks Like
Welfare during transport has seen more legal reform than almost any other area.
Australia live export ban
Growing campaign following viral footage of sheep transport to the Middle East. Australia banned live sheep exports to the Middle East in 2024, effective 2028; New Zealand banned live export earlier.
Slaughter-at-source movement
Campaign to replace live export with chilled/frozen meat export, preserving local jobs while eliminating transport suffering. Eurogroup for Animals and World Animal Protection are leading.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
🛒 Choose local farms
Shorter transport routes reduce stress and injury risk.
✍️ Sign petitions
Support Eurogroup for Animals live export petitions.
🏷️ Look for welfare certifications
Seek transport welfare labels like RSPCA Assured or GAP.
💰 Support World Animal Protection
World Animal Protection is active on transport reform.