New Zealand bans live export, animal activist group calls on Australia to follow
Live exports will be banned across the ditch following a two-year transition period. And an animal activist group has called on Australia to follow suit.
The New Zealand Government will ban live exports from 2023 in a move it says will improve animal welfare.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor, announcing the decision today, said there would be a transition period of up to two years while exporters met extra requirements.
“We must stay ahead of the curve in a world where animal welfare is under increasing scrutiny,” Mr O’Connor said.
“This decision will affect some farmers, exporters, and importers and a transition period will enable the sector to adapt.
“I acknowledge the economic benefit some farmers get from the trade, but I also note that support of it is not universal within the sector.”
Live exports by sea have made up approximately 0.2 per cent of New Zealand’s primary sector exports revenue since 2015.
There have been no livestock exports for slaughter since 2008, but the nation has allowed exports for breeding purposes.
A Ministry of Primary Industries review of the trade started in 2019.
“There is split opinion about its long-term value and how it fits with the story we want to tell internationally to consumers,” Mr O’Connor said.
“In its review submission, the independent National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee, which advises ministers on animal welfare issues, advised that the practice should stop.
“I recognise the importance of our trade relationships with our international partners and we’re committed to working with them as we transition away from the shipment of livestock.
“New Zealand has an opportunity to boost trade through our cutting-edge scientific work into dairy cow genetics and germplasm use.
“During the transition period, exporters will meet the extra requirements that we introduced following the independent Heron report, which was carried out after the tragic loss of the Gulf Livestock 1 in September 2020.”
Mr O’Connor said he had also asked the Ministry of Primary Industries to provide further advice on improvements to animal welfare during the phase out.
World Animal Protection New Zealand executive director Simone Clarke thanked the minister for phasing out the “abhorrent” trade.
“The New Zealand Government’s announcement to phase out live exports in the coming years is a significant moment in our history for animals, one which other governments around the world must now follow, including Australia,” she said.
ACT New Zealand’s primary industries spokesman and dairy farmer Mark Cameron slammed the move as an “emotive decision” that “ignored evidence”.
“This ban won’t improve animal welfare because live exports from New Zealand will be replaced by exports from other countries with lower animal welfare standards,” he said.
Mr Cameron said live exports were a critical revenue stream for the rural sector.
“Orders for this year are around 150,000 cattle at a value of $500 million, according to David Hayman from the Animal Genetics Trade Association,” he said.
“Dairy cows exported live can earn a farmer between $1800 and $2000, but on the local market fetch between $1400 and $1600.
“Farmers already need to jump through a number of regulatory hoops.
“Cattle need to have blood samples taken, be put through a quarantine period, and meet particular overseas market requirements.”
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