George Eustice, U.K. Secretary of the Department of the Environment, has announced regulations that would prohibit the export of live animals for slaughter. This initiative is based on improving the welfare of animals through all stages of life. Brexit has created an opportunity to ban export of live animals. In 2018 approximately 6,000 sheep and goats were exported to the EU principally for ritual slaughter. Animal welfare activists emphasize the stress to which animals are subject to during transport and inhumane slaughter in nations of destination.
The proposed regulations relate to animals shipped from the UK for slaughter. This would not affect export of animals for breeding, since the value of livestock in this category presumes adequate space, expedited transport and care before and during movement.
Transport of animals for slaughter has come under scrutiny following recent disasters involving both cattle and sheep shipped from producing nations including Australia, New Zealand using non-seaworthy vessels and under inhumane conditions.