The UK has taken a bold step forward in animal welfare by banning the export of live animals for fattening or slaughter. This groundbreaking legislation ends decades of suffering endured by millions of farmed animals during gruelling transport conditions, including overcrowding, extreme temperatures, and dehydration. Backed by overwhelming public support—87% of voters—the decision aligns with a growing global movement advocating for humane treatment of animals. With countries like Brazil and New Zealand implementing similar bans, this milestone highlights the relentless efforts of organisations such as Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) and Animal Equality. The ban signals a significant shift towards compassion-driven policies while inspiring continued action against factory farming practices worldwide
In a landmark decision, the UK Parliament has officially approved a ban on the export of live animals for fattening or slaughter, concluding a relentless 50-year campaign by animal protection organizations. This historic move is set to alleviate the suffering of millions of farmed animals subjected to harsh conditions during transport, including extreme temperatures, overcrowding, hunger, dehydration, illness, and exhaustion. The new legislation reflects the overwhelming support of 87% of UK voters and aligns the nation with a growing global movement against live animal export cruelty. Countries like Brazil and New Zealand have recently enacted similar bans, signaling a worldwide shift towards more humane treatment of animals. This victory is a testament to the tireless efforts of groups such as Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), Kent Action Against Live Exports (KAALE), and Animal Equality, which have been pivotal in advocating for this cause through public actions and governmental lobbying. The ban not only marks a significant milestone in animal welfare but also paves the way for a more compassionate future.
In a landmark decision, the UK Parliament has officially approved a ban on the export of live animals for fattening or slaughter, concluding a relentless 50-year campaign by animal protection organizations. This historic move is set to alleviate the suffering of millions of farmed animals subjected to harsh conditions during transport, including extreme temperatures, overcrowding, hunger, dehydration, illness, and exhaustion. The new legislation reflects the overwhelming support of 87% of UK voters and aligns the nation with a growing global movement against live animal export cruelty. Countries like Brazil and New Zealand have recently enacted similar bans, signaling a worldwide shift towards more humane treatment of animals. This victory is a testament to the tireless efforts of groups such as Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), Kent Action Against Live Exports (KAALE), and Animal Equality, which have been pivotal in advocating for this cause through public actions and governmental lobbying. The ban not only marks a significant milestone in animal welfare but also paves the way for a more compassionate future.
The UK Parliament has finally approved a ban on live animal transport, bringing five decades of advocacy to a close.
A new law in the UK will end the export of farmed animals for fattening or slaughter, ending decades of suffering for millions of animals. This law marks the end of 50 years of campaigning by various animal protection organizations, including Animal Equality.
Suffering during export
Each year, over 1.5 million UK animals face extreme conditions–including excessive temperatures–on their long journeys abroad. Overcrowding, hunger, dehydration, illness, and exhaustion worsen their suffering.
Global movement on the rise
With over 87% of UK voters supporting a ban on live animal export, the UK now joins a global movement seeking to end live export cruelty.
Recently, Brazil banned the export of live cows from all the country’s ports, while New Zealand banned the export of live cows, sheep, deer, and goats by sea for slaughter, fattening and breeding. Gradually, the world continues its shift toward a more compassionate future for animals.
A long road to victory
Organizations such as Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) and Kent Action Against Live Exports (KAALE) have been at the forefront of this campaign. Animal Equality has supported this campaign by taking part in public actions and writing to government officials.
An opinion piece by Animal Equality’s Executive Director in the UK, which highlighted the growing risks of live transport, was also published in The Ecologist. This article went viral, educating millions on the impact of animal transport and the need for a ban.
This is a great day to celebrate and one that has been awaited for a long time. For decades, animals have endured these foolish and arduous exports to the continent, but no longer! I am very proud of our supporters, whose dedication and persistence contributed to this hard-fought victory.
Philip Lymbery, CEO of Compassion in World Farming (CIWF)
The fight continues
While the UK ban is a historic step for farmed animals, it is expected to face opposition from the factory farming industry and some political sectors. Animal advocates have pledged to monitor the situation and ensure the ban is implemented effectively.
Are you ready to take a pledge for animals? Reducing the demand for animal products is the best way to support this international community of advocates. Join millions around the world who have begun their plant-based journey, protecting animals from suffering at every meal. Love Veg has prepared a digital cookbook for its subscribers, providing beginners with the necessary tools to begin their plant-based journeys.
LIVE KINDLY
With rich emotional lives and unbreakable family bonds, farmed animals deserve to be protected.
You can build a kinder world by replacing animal food products with plant‑based ones.
Notice: This content was initially published on animalEQUALITY.org and may not necessarily reflect the views of the Humane Foundation.
