Petition · past parliament
As soon as the UK exits the EU legislate to end the export of live farm animals.
Closed
45,413 signatures
What the petition asks
The transport of live animals exported from the UK causes immense suffering. This trade is governed by EU law, not the UK government.
The government should plan legislation to ban the export of live farm animals in favour of a carcass only trade and introduce this as soon as we leave the EU.
The government should plan legislation to ban the export of live farm animals in favour of a carcass only trade and introduce this as soon as we leave the EU.
Long distance travel causes enormous suffering: overcrowding; pain and stress; compromised immunity; inhumane slaughter on arrival; loss of legal safeguards. SOURCE CIWF
During live transport there is a high risk of animal suffering: handling during loading and unloading; strange sights and sounds and animals; heat stress and lack of water and rest. SOURCE RSPCA
Animals are crammed into unsuitable transport and endure gruelling journeys heading for conditions illegal in this country. RSPCA
During live transport there is a high risk of animal suffering: handling during loading and unloading; strange sights and sounds and animals; heat stress and lack of water and rest. SOURCE RSPCA
Animals are crammed into unsuitable transport and endure gruelling journeys heading for conditions illegal in this country. RSPCA
Government response · 6 April 2017
The Government would prefer animals to be slaughtered close to the point of production. Once the UK has left the EU, there will be the possibility to consider further measures in this area.
The Government is committed to improving the welfare of animals. The Government share British farmers and the public’s high regard for animal welfare. We are proud to have some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world.
The Government’s position is that we would prefer animals to be slaughtered as close as practicable to their point of production. A trade in meat and meat products is preferable to the long distance transport of animals to slaughter. Once the UK has left the European Union (EU), there will be the possibility to consider further measures in this area.
Until exit negotiations are concluded, the UK remains a full member of the EU and all the rights and obligations of EU membership remain in force. During this period the Government will continue to negotiate, implement and apply EU legislation.
We have made clear in Brussels that we support improvements being made to enforcement across the EU of existing rules on the long distance transport of livestock.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
The Government’s position is that we would prefer animals to be slaughtered as close as practicable to their point of production. A trade in meat and meat products is preferable to the long distance transport of animals to slaughter. Once the UK has left the European Union (EU), there will be the possibility to consider further measures in this area.
Until exit negotiations are concluded, the UK remains a full member of the EU and all the rights and obligations of EU membership remain in force. During this period the Government will continue to negotiate, implement and apply EU legislation.
We have made clear in Brussels that we support improvements being made to enforcement across the EU of existing rules on the long distance transport of livestock.
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Timeline
| 5 Dec 2016 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 27 Mar 2017 | Passed 10,000 signatures, requiring a government response |
| 6 Apr 2017 | Government responded |
| 2 May 2017 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
45,413
Status
Closed
Opened
5 Dec 2016
Closed
2 May 2017
Response
6 Apr 2017
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.