The UK is set to become the first country in Europe to ban live animal exports - news which has been welcomed by North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson who has been campaigning on this issue for some time.
The Environment Secretary George Eustice today announced plans to ban the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening – a move made possible following the UK’s exit from the EU.
Live animal exports can see animals transported very long distances in cramped and uncomfortable conditions, causing injury and stress. In the 2019 election, the Conservative Manifesto included a pledge to ban the practice of live animal exports. Currently, under the rules of the EU single market, which guarantee free movement of goods, it is not possible for any member state to ban live animal exports altogether.
However, now the UK has left the EU and taken back control of its borders and trade policy, the Government is now launching an 8 week consultation on banning live exports, which also includes proposals to:
- reduce maximum journey times
- ensure animals are being given more space and headroom during transport
- introduce stricter rules on transporting animals in extreme temperatures
- and tighten rules for transporting live animals by sea.
The move has been welcomed by animal charities, including the RSPCA, Compassion in World Farming and World Animal Protection.
The move is just the latest in the Government’s work to improve animal welfare, which has also included: -introducing mandatory CCTV at slaughter houses -increasing maximum sentences for animal cruelty from 6 months to 5 years -tackling puppy farming by banning third party sales of puppies and kittens -protecting ocean wildlife by cracking down on plastic pollution -banning the sale of ivory -banning the use of wild animals in circuses -banning electric shock training collars -introducing Finn’s Law - making it an offence to harm or injure a service animal in the line of duty
Justin Tomlinson said: “I am very proud of the work the Government has done to improve animal welfare across a number of issues. It is important that this work continues, and I will keep pushing for further improvements to animal welfare.”
