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Published 04/12/2023
We are delighted that the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill, was introduced to the UK Parliament today (4th December). This action swiftly follows the announcement of the Bill made during the State Opening of Parliament last month and marks the first of a series of stages that the Bill must pass through, before it can be enshrined in law.
The Bill will deliver on a longstanding UK Government commitment to finally ban the export of live farmed animals for slaughter or fattening from Great Britain.
Are we there yet?
This quick Government action following the King’s Speech, comes after over 50 years of our relentless campaigning to see a ban on the cruel and unnecessary trade. We have fought long and hard to stop farmed animals being crammed into vehicles on long, stressful journeys overseas causing them to suffer from exhaustion, dehydration and even death.
The publication of the Bill is the next step along the path to finally banning the trade in live animal exports. It is now vital that the Bill passes swiftly through Parliament and into law before a possible general election next year.
The end is nigh
The introduction of the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill will increasingly ensure that farmed animals are only transported live when necessary.
Live exports in other specific circumstances, such as for breeding and competitions, will still be allowed provided animals are transported in line with legal requirements aimed at protecting their welfare.
Hope for a speedy passage
Our global CEO, Philip Lymbery, said: “We greatly welcome the publication of legislation to ban live exports. This is an historic moment which we hope will finally see an end to the unnecessary export trade in cattle and sheep for slaughter or fattening from Great Britain. We urge a speedy passage for this long-awaited measure, to ensure that the export of unweaned calves on journeys often lasting 60 hours or more will finally be banned. And that a line will be drawn under the practice of sending sheep on journeys that can last many days, simply to be slaughtered on arrival.
“We have campaigned relentlessly for over 50 years to make this cruel and outdated practice illegal, so we are delighted the Government is taking action to end this trade, finally consigning it to the history books.”
Take action
Email the Leader of the House of Commons, The Rt Hon Penny Mordaunt MP, to ask her to put the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill on the agenda, so it can pass through Parliament and into law before the general election next year.
