Animals in Transport
The vast majority of animals raised for food are transported at some time during their lives with their final ride ending at a slaughter facility. The pre-slaughter transport and handling of farmed animals affects the largest portion of all transported livestock and is the journey that is generally accompanied by the most welfare problems.
Despite the considerable stress endured by animals during transport, farmed animals are moved several times during their lives and often over large distances.
Cruel transport practices and the misery they cause are driven by economics and fueled by a lack of government oversight. Animals pay the price in pain and suffering to provide cheap meat to consumers and to increase meat industry profits.
The public can make a difference by supporting legislation aimed at regulating farmed animal transport and encouraging grocery stores to purchase only from local producers.
Consumers Can Take a Stand
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Encourage retailers to buy only from local producers and/or those that adhere to an eight-hour maximum transport limit. Your local co-op, health food store, or locally-owned grocer would be a great place to start. Contact us for copies of our report, video, and sample letters to retailers to assist in your efforts. Send requests to campaigns@bornfreeusa.org.
Alternatively, send us the name and address of your local natural foods store and we’ll send the information directly to them. Send store names and addresses to campaigns@bornfreeusa.org.
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Urge government officials to limit journey times and adopt OIE standards.
Reduce or eliminate consumption of animal products. Reducing the demand for animal-based products and increasing demand for alternatives by changing your diet is a positive step for the animals, your health, and the environment. For more information on the benefits of a plant-based diet and for tips on getting started, order a copy of our "Going Veggie: A Beginners Guide."
