Ban on Livestock Export in the UK

It is currently unlawful to export cattle from Great Britain for fattening and killing as a result of the restriction on the live export of animals.

Northern Ireland is unaffected by the laws, which were draughted by the previous Conservative administration.

Defra commented on the ban saying it would “protect animals from enduring stress, exhaustion and injury on long and unnecessary export journeys”.

They continued: “ensure that animals are slaughtered domestically in high welfare UK slaughterhouses, reinforcing our position as a nation of animal lovers and a world leader on animal welfare, boosting the value of British meat and helping to grow the economy.”

A million animals were shipped yearly at their peak; the livestock came from ports including Dover, Ramsgate, and Brightlingsea.