Britain finally bans live animal exports in historic victory for farmed animals

After 50 years of campaigning, the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill has just passed its final stage in Parliament and will soon be enshrined into law

Live exports of animals for fattening and slaughtering will be permanently banned in Britain after years of campaigning by animal rights advocates.

The news comes after previous attempts by the government to impose a ban on live exports – which was part of a longer list of animal welfare reforms – were scrapped.

Worldwide, every year, millions of farmed animals are forced to endure long journeys before being slaughtered on arrival or fattened in often inhumane conditions.

By banning live animal exports, Britain is joining other countries such as Germany and Australia – all of whom have pledged to ban or phase out the trade.

Some live exports will still be allowed under the law – notably the movement of racehorses, which can be exported for breeding and races.

Live exports for other purposes, such as for breeding, will still be allowed provided animals are transported in line with legal requirements aimed at protecting their welfare.

Historic victory for farmed animals

Compassion in World Farming has been at the forefront of the campaign against live animal exports for over 50 years.

Celebrating the news, Compassion in World Farming’s patron and long-term supporter, Dame Joanna Lumley said: “Finally, finally, finally, we can celebrate the news that live farm animals will never again be exported on long, horrendous journeys from our shores”.

Adding to her sentiments, Philip Lymbery, Compassion’s Global CEO, said he was “phenomenally proud of our supporters whose dedication and persistence have helped secure this hard-fought victory”.

Setbacks

The path to the landmark victory has not been smooth sailing. In May 2023, the UK Government dropped the Kept Animals Bill – a Bill that was introduced to Parliament in 2021 and would have delivered a live exports ban if it had become law.

Following the Government dropping the Kept Animals Bill, Compassion in World Farming secured over 95,000 petition signatures within just three months, calling on the Government to reintroduce the Kept Animals Bill.

This was submitted to the Prime Minister at Downing Street in September 2023. Two months later, the Livestock Exports Bill was listed as one of the Bills included in the State Opening of Parliament, which set out legislation the Government would introduce in 2024.

The petition secured extensive media coverage and endorsement from animal activists and vegan celebrities including Dame Joanna Lumley.

At the end of 2023, the Bill passed through its Second Reading in the House of Commons without needing a vote to pass to the next stage due to cross-party support.

During that debate, the Secretary of State (Steve Barclay) thanked campaigners whose efforts over many ‘decades’ have helped raise awareness on this issue, and he specifically mentioned Compassion in World Farming’s campaigning.

Cracking open a bottle of bubbly to celebrate? Check out our guide to vegan champagnes. 

Featured photo ©  Miguel Perfectti via Getty Images