Live export ban set to become law
The RSPCA, Compassion in World Farming, and World Horse Welfare are among the charities which have welcomed the bill.
A bill banning the live export of animals for fattening or slaughter is set to become law after completing its journey through Parliament.
The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill, which will permanently end the live export of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses from Great Britain, passed its third and final reading in the House of Lords on Tuesday, 14 May 2024, and will now go for royal assent.
Live exports from Great Britain have been paused since December 2020, but in previous decades used to be a frequent occurrence. According to government data, up to 40 million farm animals have been exported for fattening or slaughter since the 1960s, with numbers peaking in the 1990s.
Despite decades of campaigning against the practice, which campaigners say causes animals unnecessary stress, exhaustion and injuries, the government had been unable to introduce a ban owing to EU trading rules while the UK was a member state.
The new law has received support from animal welfare charities including the RSPCA, Compassion in World Farming, and World Horse Welfare.
Emma Slawinski, the RSPCA’s director for advocacy, said: “This is a momentous moment for animals - with this vote marking one of the biggest days for animal welfare in modern history. Sadly, I’ve witnessed up close the reality of these exports and the impact they have on animals.
“I’ll forever be haunted by the smell that comes off an export truck, and the calls of the animals inside which can still be heard as the ship leaves the port and sails into the distance. Every time I talk about the live exports of animals, that smell and those sounds come back to me.
“Fortunately, after so many years campaigning, the mental exhaustion, injury, hunger, dehydration and stress animals are at risk of on these cruel journeys will now - once and for all - be consigned to the history books in this country.”
The bill will allow live exports in specific other circumstances, such as for breeding and competitions, to continue provided that the animals are transported in line with legal requirements designed to protect their welfare.
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