Outrage against live export trade goes global

International Day of Awareness shows Governments not doing enough.

In April this year, shocking new footage was released of horrific conditions on board live export shipments from Australia causing further upset worldwide regarding what was already a controversial trade. Today, 14 June, has been chosen to mark this year’s global Stop Live Transport: International Awareness Day, as it marks the anniversary of one of the worst international live transport disasters of recent times, on-board the Trust1.

13,000 sheep set sail on board the Trust1 ship from Romania, on 21 May 2015, where they spent a gruelling 24 days at sea with insufficient provisions and inadequate care. By the time the Trust1 finally docked in Somalia on 14 June 2015 all the sheep were dead – having suffered from extreme dehydration, starvation and exhaustion.

Millions of live animals worldwide are transported thousands of kilometres internationally every year on long journeys that can result in immense suffering. Many of these animals, including sheep and cows, are kept in overcrowded conditions without enough food, water, or space to move, and can face inhumane treatment at slaughter.

Just last year New Zealand sent over 27,000 live cattle overseas for breeding. And in March 2018 we sent 3,600 live cattle to China.  Live export for slaughter in New Zealand is banned. Live export for breeding purposes is still allowed under current law.

“New Zealand has a long way to go on the issue of live export,” says SAFE campaigns manager Marianne Macdonald. “The animals we export for breeding can face the same suffering we outlawed when we stopped live export for slaughter in 2003. These animals still face potentially horrific conditions on board these ships, especially when there are rough seas or high temperatures. After they have been bred from in the destination country they are slaughtered, sometimes by means deemed illegal in New Zealand.”

Unlike its predecessor, this Government consists of parties which all acknowledge the need for change regarding live export. They understand the cruelty faced by animals on live export ships.

It’s time for a ban on all export of farmed animals, whether for breeding or slaughter. 

Take Action

• Contact the New Zealand and Australian Governments demanding an end live export.