United Kingdom bans live animal export
The passing of this legislation marks over five decades of campaigning against the cruel live export trade, which sees animals make gruelling journeys by road and sea, often only to be slaughtered at the end of the voyage.
During such journeys animals suffer from overcrowding, exhaustion, dehydration and stress.
The bill was first raised in 2017 by the Conservative party, promoted as a benefit of Brexit since EU trade rules prevent member states from banning live exports to other countries in the union.
The ban has been celebrated by campaigners such as Compassion in World Farming as a landmark victory.
For decades, farmed animals have endured these senseless and arduous exports to the continent – but no longer! I am phenomenally proud of our supporters whose dedication and persistence have helped secure this hard-fought victory.
Philip Lymbery, President, Eurogroup for Animals
The news follows Australia’s recent announcement of a phase out of live export of sheep.
Pressure is mounting on the European Commission to follow suit and finally bring an end to the export of live animals from EU ports.
