A century in the making: Government announcement

A new Bill was introduced into Parliament today (05/12/2023) which ends the export of livestock for slaughter and fattening, marking a significant milestone in our almost 100-year history. The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill will ban live animal exports of horses and others, including cattle, sheep, and pigs, for slaughter and fattening from Great Britain.

We thank everyone who has taken part in their campaigns to urge the UK Government to act on this issue and we are now calling on animal lovers to email their local MP and ask them to ensure smooth passage of this Bill through the House of Commons (PLEASE NOTE this campaign is now closed).

The Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill legislation follows a 2020 consultation, in which World Horse Welfare took part, on ending live animal exports in which 87% of respondents agreed that livestock, which includes horses, should not be exported for slaughter and fattening.

Live exports in other specific circumstances, for example, for breeding and competitions, will still be allowed provided animals are transported in line with legal requirements aimed at protecting their welfare. 

In the EU, we will continue to campaign to stop the long-distance transport of horses to slaughter.