Britain Bans Live Animal Exports: A Historic Win for Farmed Animals

Following five decades of persistent advocacy, Britain has formally prohibited the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening. The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill has successfully passed its final stage in Parliament and will soon become law, marking a significant victory for animal rights advocates.

The ban targets the export of cows, sheep, and pigs, sparing them from long, inhumane journeys to other countries. This change comes after a 2020 government consultation revealed that 87 percent of respondents supported ending live exports. Previously, millions of animals faced what activists describe as "horrific journeys," crammed into trucks for up to 96 hours with little space and often without adequate food and water.

A Landmark Moment

Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), a leading force in the campaign against live animal exports, celebrated this achievement. Dame Joanna Lumley, a long-time supporter and patron of CIWF, expressed her joy, stating, “Finally, live farm animals will no longer endure long, horrendous journeys from our shores.” CIWF’s Global CEO, Philip Lymbery, echoed these sentiments, praising their supporters' dedication in securing this hard-fought victory. 

Yvonne Birchall from Kent Action Against Live Exports (KAALE) highlighted the local efforts, noting that for nearly 30 years, KAALE members have protested at UK ports against live export shipments. She expressed relief that this cruel trade is finally coming to an end.

Overcoming Challenges

The road to this historic ban was fraught with setbacks. In May 2023, the UK Government abandoned the Kept Animals Bill, introduced in 2021, which included provisions for banning live exports. In response, CIWF launched a petition, garnering over 95,000 signatures in three months. This petition was presented to the Prime Minister at Downing Street in September 2023. By November, the Livestock Exports Bill was listed among the legislation to be introduced in 2024 during the State Opening of Parliament.

The campaign also emphasized the severe physical and mental distress animals endured during transport, including injuries, exhaustion, hunger, dehydration, and exposure to extreme temperatures. Many animals were slaughtered upon arrival under conditions that would be illegal in the UK.

Growing Global Momentum

The UK's ban reflects a growing international trend to end live animal exports. In recent years, similar actions have been taken worldwide. A Brazilian court banned live cattle exports in 2023, and New Zealand ended all live exports by sea for cattle, sheep, deer, and goats. Australia's government has also announced plans to end live sheep exports by 2028, although this decision still faces significant opposition.