New Zealand Announces Ban on Live Animal Exports

​www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/citing-animal-welfare-concerns-goverment-confirms-end-live-exports

The New Zealand Government has announced a ban on the live export of animals, allowing two years to phase out the process altogether. The ban was decided after citing animal welfare concerns as well as the possibility of a tarnished reputation, motivating the government to enact the ban. Another main motivating factor was the world wide attention received after an export ship carrying cattle to China capsized last September, plunging 6, 000 cattle into the ocean to die along with crew members. It became abundantly evident that live animal exports were cruel from start to finish, that is if they ever made it to the finish line.

Live animal exports are undoubtedly cruel. Animals are left nearly unattended for journeys that can last three weeks. These animals lack everything they need while making these perilous journeys. Access to food and water is scarce while veterinary care for injured or sick animals is nearly nonexistent. All of this on top of the fact that these animals are forced to live amongst their own feces and urine for days or weeks on end. There is absolutely no redeeming qualities about live exports nor should there be any argument in defense of the welfare standards these animals are forced to endure.

The government has heard arguments in defense of live exports but has still chosen to move ahead with a ban. While I'm disheartened that the main motivation is reputation versus the welfare of these innocent animals, it's still progress and we cannot balk at any progress made in animal welfare. What a horrific scene it must have been approaching the capsized livestock boat, watching in horror as 6, 000 cattle struggle to stay afloat until they drowned. There is no excuse for what happened to those animals and absolutely no argument in defense of livestock safety during these journeys. This event was horrific but also a wake-up call that once these ships leave, you simply cannot guarantee that animal welfare standards are being met and that animals are being properly cared for.

We need to see a ban on live animal exports across the globe. Whether we're talking about wild animals, livestock, or anything in between, there is simply no guarantee that these animals are being properly cared for during their journeys. There is no justification outside of profit for allowing animals to sit in their own filth for days or weeks on end. There is no justification for allowing 6, 000 innocent cows to plunge into the ocean to their death. We know well enough at this point in the game that live exports are cruel, unnecessary, and have the potential for serious danger to both human crew members and the innocent animals being sent to their death.

Thank you New Zealand for recognizing that live animal exports need to go. Now on to the rest of the world :D 

HAPPY VEG