Due to misguided subsidy policies, animals intended for slaughter or fattening are often transported across or even beyond continents. Around two million farm animals are exported from the EU every year. They are transported by trucks and ships and are thereby subjected to immense stress and suffering. The animals have very little space to move and many can barely stand properly which often leads to panicky reactions and injuries. Some animals are on the road for days and suffer under extreme temperatures. They have no opportunity to rest and are often not given enough food and water.

In Switzerland, the maximum transport duration is limited to six hours and road transit of cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses intended for slaughter and poultry intended for slaughter is prohibited. Nevertheless, a transit ban on long-distance transport is a political issue that is constantly under debate because Switzerland is gradually adopting EU law. Furthermore, the transit ban is welcome in itself but also means that live transports have to bypass Switzerland and are thus forced to cover even longer distances. The issue therefore also affects Switzerland.

Moreover, the meat from such animals, which is imported in considerable quantities into Switzerland, is consumed without much thought given to its origin. There is no way in ensuring the wellbeing of the animals concerned during these long-distance transports.