This Tuesday, the British Parliament approved a ban on the export of live-farmed animals, a precedent-setting decision for the United Kingdom, which will remain separate from the European Union (EU), a practice that is still in place.
The Farm Animal Welfare Bill would stop the export of cattle, pigs, goats, sheep, wild boar and horses through England, Wales and Scotland for meat or fat.
Already approved by elected representatives of the House of Commons (the lower house of parliament), the text was approved by the House of Lords (the upper house) this Tuesday. Once the formal “Royal Seal” is obtained, it is inscribed into the law.
Emma Slawinski, head of the RSPCA, the British animal welfare organization which has campaigned for the ban for almost 50 years, said it was an “extraordinary achievement”.
“In the 1990s, over a million animals were exported from the UK (each year).. It’s a nasty business. Animal suffering is intense and long-lasting, with trips costing days rather than hours. Fortunately, this will not happen again,” he asserted.
The proposal was first made in 2017 by the British Conservatives Presented as “Benefit of Brexit”.The European Union (EU) trade rules prevent member states from banning the export of live animals to other countries in the Union.
“It’s a big day. For decades, farmed animals have supported these senseless exports to the continent – but no longer,” highlighted Philippe Limberi, Director General of CIWF (Compassion in World Agriculture).
During Tuesday’s vote, several members of the board He regretted that the law would not apply in Northern IrelandThis sees some EU regulations continuing to apply under post-Brexit rules, particularly on trade matters.
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for the protection of farmed animals are calling on the EU to also ban the export of live animals to third countries. But this option was recently rejected by the European Commission.
In its proposal to revise the regulations by the end of 2023, which is still under negotiation, it wants stricter requirements on the condition of boats and the welfare of animals on board.
Elsewhere in the world, Australia has committed to ending live sheep exports by 2028.
New Zealand has also banned the export of livestock by sea from April 2023.
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