Defra secretary Michael Gove’s call this week for evidence for a potential ban on the live export of animals for slaughter is causing unease in parts of the industry.

The six-week consultation, which will also looked at higher welfare standards for live animal movements within the UK, builds upon the Conservative Party’s 2017 manifesto, which committed to “take early steps to control the export of live animals for slaughter” as the UK leaves the EU.

NFUS livestock chair Charlie Adam responded that standards must be based on evidence rather than sentiment. “The UK Government’s ambition to be viewed as a premier trading partner post-Brexit means we need to be able to demonstrate robust, evidenced welfare standards delivering confidence to UK consumers and our trading partners. As a premier trading partner, we should not be seeking to dismiss the ability to export high-quality, high-welfare livestock,” Adam continued.

John Fyall, chair of the National Sheep Association’s Scotland region said there must be no risk to island movements. “Defra wouldn’t understand the potential implications this opens up for island transport. Stewarts [which supplied specialist containers to NorthLink Ferries] are some of the best transport in the world. The animals are rested and comfortable.”

QMS calculations have demonstrated the difference in export tariffs from third countries to the EU for live animals versus carcases (see table).

Live slaughter animals

At the beginning of March, Scotland’s Rural College embarked on Defra-commissioned research into existing welfare standards for animals during transport.

Project lead Professor Malcolm Mitchell told Farmers Journal Scotland that SRUC’s research is “focussed on providing the sound scientific basis for improvements in legislation, codes of practices, practices, vehicle design and operation and training and education”.

Prof Mitchell said that, while he believed that animals were being transported to “at least minimum requirements”, the key question was whether we could do it better. If necessary, he believes that guidelines and education are the best routes, rather than legislation.