Following his tireless recommendations, West Dorset MP Chris Loder has convinced the Government to ban live animal exports as part of the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill.

The UK is now the first to end live exports as the Government sets out new powers to boost animal welfare and the new bill seeks to improve welfare standards through a wide range of measures, including new powers to clamp down on livestock worrying and a live export ban.

Mr Loder said: “I am delighted that the Government heard my numerous calls in the House of Commons and in my consultation submission to finally ban this horrendous practice. EU rules meant we couldn’t ban these before but I have been pressing the Government to make the change now that we can. No decent, caring farmer wants to load their animals on to lorries knowing that they might travel thousands of miles by land or sea. I know how much care my parents put into looking after their cows, so I know how concerned farmers are about the welfare of their animals. Live animal exports need to stop, and I am so pleased they will be banned.”

The ban follows his successful Animal Welfare (Sentencing) Bill which increases maximum sentences for the worst offenders to five years in prison and received Royal Assent earlier this year.

In February 2021, Mr Loder submitted the following to DEFRA’s consultation on animal welfare in transport, and said: “Live animal exports are an unnecessary cruelty to our farm animals. I urge the Government to fulfil our manifesto pledge to ban live animal exports as I outlined in the House of Commons of Friday, October 23 2020.”

“Farmers do not want to see their animals exported by land and sea only to be slaughtered appallingly abroad, subjecting living animals to extremely long journeys in cramped conditions.”

“Animals are sentient. Where we have the means to improve welfare for animals, we should do so. This is a matter of humanity, and I look forward to the banning of live animals being exported as soon as possible.”

Next, the MP wants to stop the inhumane practice of non-stunned slaughter.

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