Source: Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa
Monday (01/05/23) marks the day that LIVE EXPORTS BY SEA from New Zealand officially ends. Dr Helen Beattie, Managing Director of Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa (VAWA) explains why this is “a new dawn for animal welfare in Aotearoa and globally”:
“New Zealand’s decision to ban livestock exports by sea is a testament to the nation’s commitment to our animals’ welfare. This monumental move elevates the country’s status as a global leader in animal welfare and sets a precedent for other nations to follow. In addition to the animal welfare benefits, there are environmental benefits through reduced use of fossil energy in shipping and less effluent being washed directly into the ocean.
“New Zealand’s decision to ban livestock exports by sea can serve as a catalyst for change in global agricultural systems, as it will encourage other countries to examine their own practices and regulations. For example, we are pleased to see the Australian Government moving to ban the live export of sheep by sea – this is a step in the right direction and hopefully a move towards a wider ban. We invite other governments to evaluate their animal welfare policies and to progress reforms to improve the lives of animals in their care.
Despite rhetoric to the contrary, since 2015 livestock exports by sea have represented only 0.32 percent of New Zealand’s primary sector export revenue. By eliminating this ‘export segment of suffering’ that has financially benefited only a few, a beacon is lit that can fuel further progress for animal welfare, both locally and globally. This could change the lives of billions of animals for the better.
“VAWA posits that New Zealand’s lead adds momentum to the push for redefining globally how animals are treated in the agricultural sector. This thinking ought to extend beyond the realm of livestock exports and stretch to include thinking on the key concerns within animal agriculture. For New Zealand farming systems, this would include turning our minds to provision of adequate shade, providing comfortable lying areas in winter and ending the use of crates and cages for pigs and poultry, respectively.
“New Zealand’s ban is a powerful statement against inhumane practices that affect animals, reaffirming the country’s commitment to prioritising animal welfare and sending a clear message that the suffering of sentient beings is no longer an acceptable cost of doing business.”
“The ban under Minister O’Connor and the Labour Party’s watch is a resounding victory for animals and a significant step towards a more humane future; both here in Aotearoa and beyond.”
CONFLICT OF INTEREST STATEMENT: Dr Beattie is the Managing Director of Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa (VAWA). She was previously Chief Veterinary Officer at the NZ Veterinary Association.
NOTES: Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa’s vision is to create “A Good Life for All.” Led by veterinarians, and as the only group of animal welfare advocates using expertise in veterinary and animal welfare science that is not compromised by commercial or vested interests, Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa provides a uniquely, independent perspective on animal welfare.
THE BAN ON LIVESTOCK EXPORTS | NOTES TO EDITOR: The livestock exports by sea ban, effective 1st May 2023, addresses a long-standing issue of immense concern for animal welfare advocates, as well as some farmers, veterinarians and many members of the public. Livestock exports has been widely criticised for the terrible conditions animals endure during lengthy and treacherous sea journeys.
These conditions often lead to severe distress, injury and disease in the animals. All are affected by the conditions including excessive temperature and humidity, while covered in a “faecal jacket’ as they cross the equator. Some do not survive the voyage.
While mortality may be low, it is the numbers affected that cope and survive that represents the magnitude of suffering, not those that cannot cope and die. The ban incentivises New Zealand to focus on more sustainable and ethical forms of animal agriculture.
By prohibiting livestock exports by sea, the nation effectively pivots towards developing a robust, local agricultural sector that promotes higher welfare standards, environmental sustainability and increased value-added production.
This shift will benefit not only the animals but also contribute to the long-term resilience and competitiveness of New Zealand’s agricultural industry.
The ban also aligns with a growing international consensus on the need for more humane treatment of animals in agriculture. Several countries, such as Australia and the United Kingdom, have are considering implementing similar measures to address welfare concerns associated with live exports.
In 2021, the UK government launched a consultation on proposals to ban live animal exports for slaughter and fattening. In addition to promoting better animal welfare, the ban also has important implications for the environment.
Livestock transportation by sea has a significant carbon footprint and contributes to air and water pollution. By shifting focus to local agricultural production, New Zealand is reducing its environmental impact and encouraging a more sustainable approach to food production.
This move aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and protect our planet for future generations. Future farming systems will need to have a light environmental footprint, be local to the consumer and sit within a biodiverse farming eco-system.
Some might argue that this ban could negatively impact the livelihoods of farmers who rely on livestock exports as a significant source of income (1) and it is important to acknowledge the challenges that may arise from the ban.
Affected farmers and agricultural businesses will need to adapt to the new law, potentially facing short-term disruptions and economic pressures. A two-year phase out was designed in part to allow for this planning.
Additionally, the government and industry stakeholders must work together to support those affected, helping them transition to new business models and practices that are in line with the ban’s objectives.
This collaborative approach will be essential to ensure the long-term success of the ban and the continued growth and prosperity of the agricultural sector. For destination countries, access to New Zealand’s genetics through livestock exports have contributed to meeting demand as their farming industries have grown and improvement is sought.
To continue to contribute, and ideally with assurances destination countries’ animal welfare settings are acceptable, (2) export of germplasm (e.g., embryos, semen) means New Zealand can continue to play its part in supporting developing nations and industries. The global demand for ethically sourced and sustainable products is on the rise and adapting to this changing market and investing in the development of higher welfare farming practices, New Zealand’s farmers can continue to thrive and secure a competitive advantage in the global marketplace.
The ethical dimensions of the live export trade have long been debated, and with this ban, New Zealand implicitly recognises the inherent value of animals and their capacity to suffer. It is worth noting that the New Zealand Animal Welfare Act includes recognition of animal sentience, acknowledging that animals can experience both positive and negative emotions and have experience that matter to them.
Livestock export experiences mattered to the animals. New Zealand’s decision to ban livestock exports by sea is a milestone worth celebrating.
As Lain Jager, previously Chair of the MPI’s Primary Sector Council and now Chair of Te Puna Whakaaronui, recently noted, “The right question for the New Zealand Government and farmers to ask is ‘How can we work together most effectively to negotiate the change ahead of us?, not ‘How can we go slower?” As global citizens, everyone should join New Zealand in celebrating this landmark decision and work towards creating a world where the welfare of all sentient beings is considered and respected. By doing so, we move closer to a more compassionate and sustainable global agricultural system.
1) Since 2015, live exports by sea have represented only 0.32 per cent of NZ’s primary sector export revenue versus NZ’s annual $53 billion-dollar primary export industry.
2) VAWA is not aware of a globally recognised, audited and assured animal welfare programme; neither are we aware of any legal mandate that New Zealand would have to require this in destination countries.
