Delight as ban on live animal export for slaughter takes first steps in parliament

The European Food Safety Authority has provided a report to the European Commission with evidence around welfare conditions for horses during long-distance transport for slaughter in the EU — D2PHKD Neuenhagen, Germany, Detail, horse looks through the bars of his Box

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Animal welfare charities have welcomed a significant milestone as a law to ban live export for slaughter takes its first steps towards implementation.

H&H reported last month that the King’s speech had included an announcement of the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill. The bill was introduced to parliament on Monday (4 December).

Kerry Postlewhite, assistant director of campaigns and prevention at the RSPCA, said: “After 50 years of campaigning to end live exports, it is so important, and welcome, that the UK Government is acting to ban the live export of animals – outlawing the long, crowded journeys, mental exhaustion, physical injury, dehydration and stress that are a reality for farm animals on these unnecessary journeys.

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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.

Delight as ban on live animal export for slaughter takes first steps in parliament

The bill comes after 87% of respondents to a public consultation agreed that livestock should not be exported for slaughter and fattening.

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers said: “We are delighted that the Government has introduced this bill and will put its muscle behind making it law. We know horses are being exported for slaughter ‘under the radar’ despite none being officially declared for this purpose.

“This bill will finally make it illegal, something we have been campaigning for since our charity’s foundation. We look forward to working with Defra to ensure that the right measures are put in place to enforce this hugely significant piece of legislation.”

World Horse Welfare thanked all those who had backed its campaigns urging the Government to progress on this legislation, as it continues its campaign to stop long-distance transport to slaughter in the EU.

“It is great that the new Defra secretary of state has shown such strong and enthusiastic support previously for a ban on live exports – and we look forward to this policy becoming a reality.”

Environment secretary Steve Barclay said: “We have some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world.

“This bill makes use of post-Brexit freedoms to strengthen these standards by preventing the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening, which we know causes animals unnecessary stress and injury.”

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