The transport of live animals is a common global practice that affects most farmed animals. Transportation is a stressful experience, where animals are often prevented from drinking, eating, and resting for long periods of time. Growing animal welfare concerns have led to policy changes aimed at protecting animals in transit.

This study evaluated live farm animal transportation policies in four countries and one group of nations: Canada, the U.S., the E.U., Australia, and New Zealand. The researchers managed this in two steps. First, they reviewed 214 papers (from 2021 or more recent) on the welfare of farm animals during transport. This literature review revealed the top four risk factors of transporting live animals. Second, they examined the relevant federal regulations in each country, and compared how they stacked up for each risk factor.

The first risk factor is “climatic conditions” (e.g., temperature, humidity, ventilation). Most countries have rules to protect animals from extreme weather conditions. The E.U. is the most advanced in this area, with regulations setting a minimum and maximum temperature inside transport vehicles. However, the policy fails to distinguish between the needs of individual farmed species. For example, pigs are more comfortable at lower temperatures, while sheep prefer it warmer.

“Space allowances” is the second risk factor. Current legislation across all five territories mention that animals should be provided with adequate space. The E.U. policies are the most strict, with minimum allowances for individual species depending on the type of transport. However, they are outdated — their last update was in 2005 — and don’t reflect the latest scientific evidence.

The third risk factor is “journey duration.” None of the territories set limits on the entire trip time (i.e., from start to finish) for individual species. Instead, the regulations specify how much time animals can go without food, water, and rest. These laws are unclear, however, and can be interpreted to allow animals to be transported indefinitely, as long as they are given the required number of rest stops. It is worth noting that the E.U. is currently evaluating a range of maximum duration options.

“Fitness for transport” is the fourth risk factor. Most laws include descriptions of vulnerable animals who are unfit for travel (e.g., young, pregnant, with health conditions). Aside from the U.S., the other four territories generally prohibit the transport of these animals. Canada has the most detailed and specific regulations in this category.

The results show that regulations vary greatly between countries. Canada has the most comprehensive and specific laws, followed by the E.U., Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. For each risk factor, most of the policies in most countries are insufficient or too vague to guarantee protection for animals in transit.

The authors end by suggesting regulatory improvements to enhance animal welfare during transport. For example, policies should note clear temperature and humidity thresholds inside transport vehicles, specific to age, condition, and species of the animal. Vehicles should be equipped with climate-control and mechanical ventilation systems, and monitoring and recording systems for temperature and humidity.

In addition, laws should include minimum horizontal and vertical space allowances specific to age, condition, and species of the animal. In terms of journey duration, regulations should set a maximum duration for the entire trip. Finally, policies should define in detail what makes an animal unfit for transport, with tools to help stakeholders make decisions.

Once implemented, it’s crucial that these laws are enforced. This should be done with regular, mandatory, comprehensive training, improved working conditions for transporters, and improved inspections. In addition, there should be strict penalties for breaking the rules and incentives for following them.

Many of these changes are currently under discussion in several countries. Animal advocates can make sure they are enacted by lobbying governments to improve their live animal transport laws.