Export of livestock for slaughter and fattening will be banned under new legislation.

The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill – which has been introduced in Parliament today (4 December 2023) – delivers on a key manifesto commitment to ban the export of live animals including cattle, sheep, and pigs.

The Bill will ensure that animals are slaughtered domestically in high welfare UK slaughterhouses, reinforcing our position as a world leader on animal welfare, boosting the value of British meat and helping to grow the economy.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said:

“We have some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world.

This Bill makes use of post-Brexit freedoms to strengthen these standards by preventing the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening, which we know causes animals unnecessary stress and injury.”

This legislation is only possible now we have left the European Union and will stop animals enduring unnecessary stress, exhaustion and injury on long journeys.

Kerry Postlewhite, assistant director of campaigns and prevention at the RSPCA, said:

“After fifty years of campaigning to end live exports, it is so important, and welcome, that the UK Government is acting to ban the live export of animals - outlawing the long, crowded journeys, mental exhaustion, physical injury, dehydration and stress that are a reality for farm animals on these unnecessary journeys.”

Rebecca commented:

“This Bill demonstrates this government’s commitment to manifesto promises and animal welfare. We work hard locally to ensure animal welfare is maintained in Castle Point.”

If you are concerned about a specific animal welfare issue or want to find out more about animal welfare in Castle Point, follow this link.