Livestock that are unfit for the intended journey must not be presented or loaded for transport and instead, withdrawn from transport and provide with appropriate treatment. The way animals are loaded, transported and unloaded for slaughter exposes animals to all forms of animal welfare compromises. It is not uncommon to see cattle being loaded into trucks by drugging them by their tail.

The use of vehicles in poor conditions to transport cattle is also very common animal transporters receive no training on the welfare aspects of transport, there are no guidance on stocking densities and animals are usually transported over long journeys any without any feed, water or rest. A typical journey can take up to 40 hours.

The welfare of animals during transport is ultimately compromised as evidenced by the high numbers of dead on arrival (DoA).Both the transporter and the receiver have a responsibility to ensure the safety and welfare of the animals. WACPAW aims to train drivers, transport owners and slaughterhouse managers on the protection of animal welfare.