Areas of Good Welfare Concern during Transport (According to the Welfare Quality® Project framework)

The Welfare Quality® Project (EU, early 2000s) provides scientifically based principles and criteria for assessing animal welfare, including during transport. Its framework emphasizes that transport is a high-risk stage for animals and must be evaluated across four key principles.

a. Good Feeding

• Freedom from hunger and thirst during transport.
• Ensure animals have access to water before, during (long journeys), and immediately after transport.
• Minimize pre-transport fasting, except in species where short fasting reduces risk (e.g., pigs, poultry).
• Prevent dehydration and energy depletion during prolonged journeys.

b. Good Housing / Comfort

I. Appropriate microclimate inside vehicles:

• Adequate ventilation to prevent heat stress or cold stress.
• Avoid overcrowding, which restricts movement and increases suffocation risk.

II. Flooring and Space Allowance:

• Non-slippery floors to reduce injuries.
• Enough space for natural posture and balance.

III. Transport design:

• Safe ramps, partitions, and shock-absorbing suspension reduce discomfort.

c. Good Health

I. Protection from injuries and disease during transit:

• Proper handling during loading and unloading prevents bruises, fractures, and wounds.
• Healthy animals only should be transported; sick or weak animals should be excluded.
• Minimize disease spread by disinfecting vehicles and avoiding mixing unfamiliar groups.

II. Stress reduction:

• Prevent fatigue, immune suppression, and stress-induced metabolic disorders.

d. Appropriate Behaviour

I. Expression of normal behaviour:

• Animals should have enough space to stand, lie, and adjust posture during movement.

II. Minimization of fear and distress:

• Calm handling techniques reduce panic, aggression, and abnormal behaviour (e.g., piling, vocalization).
• Reduce exposure to loud noises, rough handling, and prolonged isolation.

e. Cross-cutting Welfare Concerns (Integrated by Welfare Quality®)

• Human–animal interaction: Proper training of handlers and drivers ensures welfare compliance.
• Journey planning: Shortest, smoothest routes reduce travel time and stress.
• Monitoring and Indicators: Welfare should be assessed using both inputs (vehicle design, stocking density, ventilation) and outputs (injuries, behaviour, physiological stress markers).