Live transport of calves

Calves as young as two weeks are transported across Europe for rearing. It is estimated that nearly 100000 calves were exported from the UK to Europe in 2007. This figure could double in future years.

The majority of UK calves are exported to the Netherlands, but some are sent as far as Spain. This journey can take over 50 hours. By law, after 9 hours continuous travel, the calves have to be given a one hour stop during which food and water may be provided. This can then be followed by a further 9 hours travel. After this, the calves must be unloaded and rested for 24 hours before their journey can continue. There is concern that this is not always being enforced.

The intensive rearing and transport of calves raises many concerns about their welfare.