Millions of farm animals are transported across the world every year on journeys that in some cases can last for weeks. Groups like Compassion believe that the trade in live animals is inhumane and should be replaced by a trade in meat.

Peter Stevenson, Chief Policy Advisor at Compassion in World Farming, said: “Animals can suffer terribly from the strain and stress of live transport. Investigations by animal welfare groups have found cramped, overcrowded conditions, no access to water so animals suffer from dehydration and even occasions when they are so hungry they are forced to eat their own filthy bedding. Some collapse onto the floor of the truck where they are trampled by their companions. Others get injured or ill. In the worst cases, many die.”

Last year almost 80,000 sheep and young calves, only a few weeks old, were transported from Britain to the European mainland, three times more than in 2010.

It is also hard for farmers to be sure their animals will be humanely treated when they arrive after sometimes gruelling journeys. For example, investigations have revealed that Australian sheep and cattle that are exported can be badly treated in abattoirs in the Middle East or Southeast Asia. Animal welfare campaigners hope that 2012 will be the year when long distance live animal transport is ended.

British actress Joanna Lumley unveiled the Compassion In World Farming's nationwide bus adverts, as part of their 2012 campaign against the long distance transport of live animals.

Find out more at: www.ciwf.org or www.stopliveexports.com.

Words by Joe Bennett, Compassion in World Farming