The UK has enacted a ban on exporting live animals, making it one of the first countries in the world to implement such a measure through the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Act, which recently received Royal Assent. This move capitalizes on post-Brexit freedoms and reinforces the UK’s commitment to high animal welfare standards.
The new legislation fulfils a key manifesto pledge to ban the export of live animals, including cattle, sheep, and pigs, for slaughter and fattening from Great Britain. It aims to prevent animals from suffering stress, exhaustion, and injury during long and unnecessary export journeys. The Act ensures that animals will be slaughtered domestically in high-welfare UK slaughterhouses, enhancing the value of British meat and supporting economic growth.
Steve Barclay, the UK’s Environment Secretary, stated, “We are proud to have some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world. Our new Act makes use of post-Brexit freedoms to deliver one of our manifesto commitments and strengthen these standards even further by preventing the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening, which we know causes animals unnecessary stress and injury.”
Chris Sherwood, Chief Executive of the RSPCA, expressed his delight, saying, “After more than 50 years of campaigning, we are absolutely thrilled to see that the live export of animals has been banned from Great Britain. This means that British animals will no longer be sent on gruelling journeys abroad for further fattening and slaughter in cramped and poor conditions with little or no access to food or water. As one of the first countries in the world to abolish this practice, this vital step for animal welfare sends an important message globally, and we hope to see other countries follow suit soon.”
The UK, ranked highest among G7 nations by the World Animal Protection’s Index, is committed to ensuring that all animals are treated well at all stages of life. The government has made it clear that animals should only be transported when necessary and should avoid long-distance travel for slaughter. Exceptions will be made for specific circumstances such as breeding and competitions, provided that animals are transported in line with legal welfare requirements.
The ban follows a consultation where 87% of respondents supported ending live animal exports for slaughter and fattening. It also aligns with the government’s Action Plan for Animal Welfare, which includes new statutory welfare codes for farm animals, a ban on conventional battery cages for laying hens, and mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses. Other legislative efforts include recognizing animal sentience, increasing penalties for animal cruelty, extending the ivory ban, banning glue traps and shark fin imports, and restricting low-welfare activity advertising and sales abroad.
The government has committed to implementing the Kept Animals Bill measures individually, with legislative actions ongoing and some measures, such as pets as primates restrictions, already in law.