UK becomes the first European region to ban the export of live animals

Britain became the first region in Europe to ban the export of live animals intended for slaughter or fattening. The new ban became law on May 20 when the Animal Welfare (Animal Export) Act received Royal Assent, and only became possible after Brexit when the United Kingdom left the European Union. In terms of agriculture, this latest legislation prohibits the export of live cattle, sheep and pigs for slaughter and fattening from England, Scotland and Wales, the three countries of Great Britain. Animal welfare The bill will end the long-standing trade in sheep and lambs for slaughter and fattening, and in calves for continental European veal farms. It will also apply to goats, pigs, wild boars and horses. UK Environment Secretary Steve Barclay says: “We are proud to have some of the highest animal welfare standards in the world. Our new law makes use of post-Brexit freedoms to deliver on one of our manifesto commitments and further strengthen these standards by preventing the ...