The long distance transport of live animals for slaughter is big business around the world despite clear evidence of the animal welfare, food safety, and meat quality problems it causes.

Every year over 60 billion farm animals are reared for food worldwide. Most are transported for slaughter, often over long distances within and between countries, on journeys that take several days, weeks, or even months.

This massive movement of live animals means that ay any given moment more animals are traveling around the globe than people.

A cruel and unnecessary journey

Each year millions of farm animals endure cramped, unsanitary conditions and experience stress and exhaustion from rough handling, hunger and thirst in extreme temperatures as they are transported live across the world. As a result animals suffer horrific injuries and many die before they reach their destination. Sick and injured animals are left untreated which could spread disease rapidly among the animals.

Modern exports of fresh chilled and frozen meat are increasing every year. We can stop this unnecessary transport of animals for slaughter. Governments can put legislation in place to make sure that animals are slaughtered humanely close to the point of production and the fresh chilled meat is transported instead.

A coalition for change

The lack of political leadership in tackling this global cruelty has prompted a number of the world’s leading international animal welfare organizations to come together to form the Handle with Care coalition. This coalition’s aim is to stop the inhumane handling and transportation of live animals for slaughter.

The coalition carried out undercover investigations and launched a campaign to end the long distance transport of animals for slaughter. Read about the U.S. investigation >>