UK: Government pledges to stop live animal exports

The Animal Welfare ( Livestock EXPORT ) Bill will fulfill the government's December 2020 pledge to end the export of live animals. The bill was included in the King's Speech, in which King Charles III outlined the government's legislative proposals.

The Animal Welfare Bill, previously the cornerstone of the government's animal welfare program, would have previously ended the export of live animals to Britain. However, in May of this year, ministers scrapped the bill , along with 14 other animal welfare commitments.

Farming groups frequently warn that any significant changes to live animal export regulations could potentially have a serious impact on the UK food supply chain .

The Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) said the ban on live exports would "cut off a vital lifeline" for sheep producers. And the Ruminant groupHEALTH & Welfare (RH&W), whose members represent the entire supply chain, said Defra must take responsibility for the impact of the ban on businesses .

Despite concerns from industry representatives, the King's speech confirmed that the government's plan is back on the agenda. The RSPCA called it a "historic day" for animal welfare, while Compassion in Global Agriculture declared it "long overdue."