The RSPCA believes that all animals should be slaughtered close to the point of production, and is calling for a replacement of long-distance transportation of livestock for slaughter with a 'carcass only' trade. The Society believes that the frequency and duration of all live animal transport, whether for slaughter or further fattening, should be minimised and that conditions during travel should be optimised for each species.
The RSPCA would also like to see much better EU-wide legislation, that is properly enforced, to protect farm animals during transport.
The RSPCA has produced an information sheet about live transport.
The RSPCA welfare standards require that livestock must not be transported for longer than eight hours, which is very significantly less than the permitted legal maximum.
Live export of dairy calves
The live export of veal calves and other cattle to the EU resumed in May 2006 after a 10-year ban. This gives rise to welfare concerns, given that young calves can legally be in transit for nine hours with a rest/feed break of just one hour, before another nine hours or more in transit, with the additional complexity of a sea crossing.
Further information about the live export of calves is available on the cattle information page.
Recent RSPCA work on live transport
Standing room only report: The RSPCA has produced a scientific report on the welfare issues during live transport.
Evidence detailed in the report indicates that the effects that long distance transport can have on welfare (mental distress, injuries, hunger and dehydration) can also adversely affect meat quality, and that multiple journeys can also increase the risk of diseases spreading.
Consultation responses:
RSPCA consultation responses relating to live animal transport legislation are detailed on the advocacy work page.
Useful links
Freedom Food
Products from animals inspected to higher welfare standards.
RSPCA International live transport campaign
DEFRA
Information about legislation.
