Statement

Statement on Animal Welfare during transport

Animal Welfare transport_cattle being offloaded from a truck

The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) reiterates with renewed sense of urgency that while transporting animals—by land, sea, or air—can be a key for global trade, food production, research, and others, it is critical to ensure  the rigorous implementation of welfare standards throughout their transport process to safeguard animal health and well-being.

Long-distance transport can represent  serious risks due to—missing or incomplete health certificates, unclear customs rules, commercial disagreements, and unexpected problems. These issues must be carefully planned for and managed from the start to protect animal welfare.

Animal welfare during transport is essential. It keeps animals healthy and safe. Everyone involved—animal owners, operators, transporters, government agencies, and Veterinary Services—share this responsibility. WOAH is updating its standards to keep up with today’s complex transport challenges.

To make sure animals are well cared for at every step—starting with certification—these points are important:

  • Follow WOAH Standards: Our Terrestrial Animal Health Code gives clear, science-based rules for all kinds of transport. These rules need to be supported by strong laws and enforced properly.
  • Clear Responsibilities: Everyone in the transport process must understand and take responsibility for their part, with clear handovers between each stage.
  • Training and Capacity Building: Well-trained Veterinary Services and staff are needed to make sure standards are met.
  • Infastructure and Technology: Transport equipment and monitoring must be up to date to protect animal welfare throughout the journey.
  • Effective Communication and Coordination: All parties must work together smoothly to make sure animals arrive safely and in good condition.
  • Keep Improving: Rules should be updated regularly based on science, good practices, and real-world needs.

Recent events have shown just how important it is to follow WOAH standards fully. We strongly condemn any suffering animals face during transport and call on everyone involved to meet the highest welfare standards. Protecting animal welfare is not optional—it’s a shared responsibility that needs urgent attention. 

WOAH just convened a Whole Journey Scenario workshop on transport of live animals, hosted by the Government of Jordan with participants from Africa, Americas, Europe and Middle East, where these principles were highlighted.

Because animal health is our health—it’s everyone’s health.

WOAH’s current standards on animal welfare during transport can be consulted here:

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