April 2022
Dear Constituent,
Thank you for contacting me about live animal exports.
Following the Government’s manifesto commitment to end excessively long journeys for animals, the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill will allow the UK to become the first European country to end this practice.
This is an issue I have campaigned very strongly on for several years and I am therefore delighted to support the Bill as it makes its way through Parliament.
Under the Bill, export journeys for slaughter and fattening that use England or Wales as a land bridge will be banned. The legislation will not impact on domestic slaughter and fattening movements, and that the export of poultry, as well as animals being exported for breeding purposes, will continue to take place providing animal welfare is suitably protected.
As part of the consultation process, Ministers also looked at proposals to generally improve animal welfare in transport, such as new maximum journey times, new requirements for thermal conditions and ventilation, space and headroom allowances and tighter rules for transporting live animals by sea. I know that ministers will continue to work with industry, NGOs and others to explore some of the issues and evidence, and also develop practical solutions that generate good welfare outcomes.
Ending live exports for slaughter and fattening will signal this country’s intention of continuing to be a world leader in animal welfare and I will strongly support this measure and this Bill.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
With best wishes.
Kind regards,
Jonathan Lord MP
Member of Parliament for Woking