Live animal export subjects millions of animals to prolonged journeys with significant welfare costs. Reform efforts have achieved some progress but global live trade continues at scale.
Live export welfare reform represents one of the clearest cases where welfare and practicality align. Chilled and frozen meat exports deliver equivalent economic value without the welfare costs of live transport. The resistance from exporting countries and importing markets reflects tradition and vested interests rather than necessity. The UK ban is a significant achievement demonstrating that reform is politically achievable. The challenge now is extending similar restrictions through EU legislation and bilateral trade agreements that make high-welfare alternatives the norm rather than the exception.