The UK ban on live export for slaughter and fattening represents a significant welfare improvement affecting sheep and other livestock previously subject to long international journeys.
The live export ban demonstrates that welfare improvement is achievable through political will when public support is strong. Animals that previously faced the welfare harm of long international journeys now benefit from UK slaughter closer to their place of rearing. The commercial need for live export was always disputed given the feasibility of chilled carcass trade. The UK ban provides a model that other countries can adopt, and campaigning for similar bans elsewhere extends the welfare benefit globally.