New Zealand’s Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor recently announced that livestock exports of animals at the island country will be banned.
According to the Minister, improvements had been made to the practice over recent years, but despite everyone’s best efforts, the voyage times to the northern hemisphere markets will always pose animal welfare challenges.
Therefore, following a transition period of up to two years, the livestock exports ban is expected to come into effect by 2023.
At the heart of our decision is upholding New Zealand’s reputation for high standards of animal welfare. We must stay ahead of the curve in a world where animal welfare is under increasing scrutiny.
….Damien O’Connor said.
As explained, this decision will affect some farmers, exporters, and importers, therefore a transition period will enable the sector to adapt.
During the transition period, exporters will meet the extra requirements that New Zealand introduced following the independent Heron report, which was carried out after the tragic loss of the Gulf Livestock 1 in September 2020.
For the record, live exports by sea represent approximately 0.2% of New Zealand’s primary sector exports revenue since 2015, while there have been no livestock exports for slaughter since 2008.
I recognise the importance of our trade relationships with our international partners and we’re committed to working with them as we transition away from the shipment of livestock. New Zealand has an opportunity to boost trade through our cutting-edge scientific work into dairy cow genetics and germplasm use.
…Damien O’Connor added.
Concluding, livestock exports of animals bound for slaughter from England and Wales, are also expected to be banned by the end of next year.
