Why we need to put an end to live export of animals

In the Queen’s Speech on December 19, the Government announced plans to end ‘excessively long journeys’ for the fattening or slaughter of animals for meat.
Picture by PixabayPicture by Pixabay
Picture by Pixabay

This would save thousands of sheep and young calves every year from needless suffering during long, gruelling journeys overseas.

At every stage of the battle to end this cruel trade, compassionate people have fought on the front lines for animals without a voice of their own.

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Over the past few decades, dedicated campaigners have helped reduce the number of farm animals exported each year from 2.5 million in the mid-1990s to less than 50,000 in 2018.

When UK farm animals are exported, they lose the country’s legal protection.

This means they are at risk not only of terrible suffering during their journey, but also of horrendous treatment on reaching their destination, in many cases, in conditions that would be illegal in the UK.

Only weeks ago, the world witnessed yet another reminder of why the global, barbaric live export trade must end.

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A cargo ship carrying 14,000 sheep tragically sank off the Romanian coast.

The scenes of the animals’ suffering were heart-breaking to watch.

We must hold our newly elected Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, to be good to his word during the election campaign that he can end live exports.

We are told a benefit of Brexit is to ‘take back control’ of our own laws.

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I ask readers to write to their MPs to ensure the Government delivers on its promises once we are no longer required to conform to EU customs and practice, so that the UK can lead the way in ending this horrific trade.

David Hammond

North Court,

Hassocks