The Government is being urged to make good on its’ manifesto pledge to stop the exports of live animals with Brexit affording the best opportunity to push through the relevant regulations.
Up until now, EU laws have stopped the UK banning live exports, and the RSPCA, as well as Conservative ministers, are urging the Government to make the change.
Head of public affairs at the RSPCA, David Bowles, said that: “Leaving the EU is the best chance we have had so far to end the live export trade which causes so much unnecessary suffering to animals.”
Each year, tens of thousands of live animals are exported from the UK to make journeys across Europe, something which ministers are urging action on with lengthy journeys leading to injury, overheating and extreme stress in cramped conditions.
Theresa Villiers, former environment secretary said that leaving the EU is the best chance to take action.
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She said that: “Now we’re heading for the end of the transition period, we have the opportunity to take action.
“There are some serious legal complexities to be tackled, but there is a clear moral case to end live exports.
“We need to live up to our manifesto commitment on this and restrict excessive long-distance transport of live animals so overseas exports become a thing of the past.”
