New Zealand has made measures to officially ban the export of live animals.
Animals for slaughter are not currently exported; instead, only those for breeding are; this will all end on April 30, 2023.
The choice was made two years after an export ship was sunk by a storm, killing 6,000 livestock and 41 crew members.
The tragedy claimed the lives of two New Zealanders, which increased support for a ban on live exports within the nation.
The country’s environment minister, Damien O’Connor, asserted that the new law would safeguard New Zealand’s reputation as the world becomes more concerned with animal welfare.
“It protects the reputation of not just our farmers now, but the farmers of the future,” he said.
An unacceptable industry
Live exports are highly contentious because of worries about animal welfare. The vessels are often overcrowded, and the animals suffer from disease, exhaustion, and dehydration.
Each year, the world imports millions of animals, including pigs, cows, and sheep.
Live exports are characterized as “painful, stressful, and completely unacceptable” by Compassion In World Farming.
Accidents have also claimed the lives of numerous animals. 14,000 sheep perished in 2020 as a result of a shipwreck. Around 15,000 people drowned earlier this year after another vessel sank close to Sudan.
New Zealand’s exports
134,722 cattle were exported from New Zealand last year.
O’Connor points out that because New Zealand is geographically remote from the nations it exports to, animals may endure more hardship than typical during these travels.
“New Zealand’s remoteness means animals are at sea for extended periods, heightening their susceptibility to heat stress and other welfare-associated risks,” he said.
Recognition for New Zealand
Live exports are incredibly divisive on a global scale, and New Zealand’s action represents a significant step against the practice.
“We’re delighted to hear that New Zealand has announced it will ban live exports from next year and we urge other nations to follow suit,” stated Mandy Carter, Global Head of Campaigns at Compassion In World Farming.
According to PETA Vice President of Programs Elisa Allen, Britain ought to follow New Zealand’s lead.
“Now that New Zealand has passed legislation banning the sordid live-export trade, all eyes are on the UK government to follow suit… The sooner the government fulfils its commitment to ending this cruel, dangerous trade, the better. Anyone horrified by this cruelty and suffering must take personal responsibility by going vegan,” she said.
To sign the petition to ban live exports, go to Compassion in World Farming.
Source: “New Zealand Is Officially Banning Live Animal Exports” by Plant Based News
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