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King's Speech promises livestock export ban
The ban has been welcomed by animal welfare and veterinary organisations.
But lack of other animal welfare measures draws criticism.

The live export of animals for fattening or slaughter will be banned, the Government has announced.

Included in the King’s Speech on Tuesday, 7 September, the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill will ban the export of cattle, sheep, pigs, goats and horses.

Although no animals have been exported for slaughter since 31 December 2020, the new law will make this permanent.

The news has been welcomed by animal welfare organisations who have campaigned over many decades for the practice to be banned. In September, a petition signed by more than 95,000 people was submitted to the Prime Minister by Compassion in World Farming.

Following the announcement, the charity’s patron Dame Joanna Lumley said: “This is absolutely marvellous news. Now the Government must deliver and ban the archaic practice of transporting live animals on long and arduous journeys overseas for slaughter or fattening once and for all.

“Exporting live animals is utterly unnecessary. They suffer enormous stress, exhaustion, dehydration and overcrowding. We have seen a series of broken promises from Government on this subject over the years so this is very welcome news. This bill must now be passed as a matter of urgency.”

A ban on live exports had previously formed part of the Kept Animals Bill, which was dropped by the Government earlier this year. The bill had included a range of additional animal welfare measures, including a ban on importing dogs with cropped ears and measures to tackle puppy smuggling and livestock worrying.

The limited amount of animal health and welfare legislation in the King’s Speech has drawn criticism from the animal welfare and veterinary sectors.

British Veterinary Association president Anna Judson said: “Whilst it’s positive to see the existing stop on live animal exports for slaughter will now be made permanent, the Government needs to urgently turn its attention to strengthening rules on animal importation which are exposing the UK to the serious emerging diseases like Brucella canis.

“In addition, the Government must deliver on its manifesto commitment to close the legal loopholes enabling the import of animals who have been subject to cruel and unnecessary mutilations which are illegal in the UK, like cropping dogs’ ears.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Vetlife nominated for campaign award

News Story 1
 Vetlife has been shortlisted for the Association of Charity Organisations (ACO) Campaign of the Year Award 2024.

The nomination recognises its campaigning to raise awareness of neurodiversity within the profession and produce resources for individuals and workplaces. Vetlife's campaign has included talks, lived experience blogs, and an awareness video.

Kirstie Pickles, Vetlife trustee and project lead, said: "I am thrilled and delighted that the Vetlife neurodiversity awareness campaign has been shortlisted for the ACO Campaign of the Year Award 2024"

The winner will be announced 12 September 2024. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.