Fitness of animals for transport to slaughter.

Fitness for transport is an important factor affecting the potential for suffering during animal transportation. Examination of Canadian condemnation statistics, surveys of animals transported to slaughter, and legal case studies show that current guidelines and regulations do not always ensure that only fit animals are transported. Consideration of the pathophysiological implications of ill-health and injury on an animal's response to the potential physical and physiological challenges that can occur during transportation can assist in identifying the welfare implications of transporting compromised animals.