A Landmark Victory for Animal Welfare: The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Act

The UK has taken a monumental step forward in animal welfare with the Royal Assent of the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Act. This new law mandates that animals must be slaughtered domestically, effectively putting an end to the exportation of live animals for fattening and slaughter.

Having come into effect on 20 May 2024, the Act covers cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and horses. This legislation follows a public consultation in which 87% of respondents supported the cessation of live animal exports for these purposes.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay expressed the government's pride in maintaining some of the highest animal welfare standards globally. He emphasised that this new law utilises the UK’s post-Brexit freedoms to fulfil a key manifesto commitment, further strengthening animal welfare standards by eliminating the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening—practices known to cause unnecessary stress and injury to animals.

“This new Act capitalises on our independence to enhance our animal welfare standards. Preventing the export of live animals for slaughter and fattening addresses significant welfare concerns and is a step forward for our nation,” Barclay stated.

Chris Sherwood, chief executive of the RSPCA, hailed the legislation as a significant achievement after more than 50 years of campaigning. "This means British animals will no longer endure gruelling journeys abroad for further fattening and slaughter in cramped and poor conditions, often with little or no access to food or water," Sherwood said. "As one of the first countries to abolish this practice, the UK sets a crucial example globally, and we hope other nations will soon follow suit."

Under the new law, animals should only be transported when necessary, and efforts should be made to avoid long-distance travel to slaughterhouses. However, live exports will still be permitted in specific circumstances, such as for breeding and competitions, provided that transportation adheres to stringent welfare requirements.

This legislation is part of broader government efforts to enhance UK animal welfare standards. According to the World Animal Protection’s Index, the UK already ranks highest among G7 nations for animal welfare. The Act aligns with the government’s Action Plan for Animal Welfare, introduced in 2021, which has led to significant reforms.

Key measures under this plan include recognising animal sentience in law, imposing tougher penalties for animal cruelty, extending the ivory ban to other species, banning glue traps and the import of detached shark fins, and prohibiting the sale and advertisement of 'low welfare activities' abroad. Additional rules have also been introduced for farm animals, such as new statutory welfare codes for pigs, laying hens, and meat chickens, the prohibition of conventional battery cages for laying hens, and mandatory CCTV installation in slaughterhouses.

The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Act represents a significant advancement in the UK’s commitment to animal welfare. By ending the export of live animals for fattening and slaughter, the UK is taking a stand against practices that cause undue stress and harm to animals. This landmark legislation not only improves the welfare of animals within the UK but also sets a powerful precedent for other countries to enhance their animal welfare standards.

The enactment of the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Act is a historic victory for animal welfare advocates and marks a crucial step towards more humane treatment of animals. As the UK continues to lead by example, this legislation underscores the nation's dedication to protecting and improving the lives of animals both domestically and globally.