Will new animal export welfare

The heated debate about whether the live export trade can ever be humane, or should be banned altogether

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Draft regulations governing the export of live animals and released by the Department of Agriculture appear to represent a major tightening of oversight in a sector long criticised for exposing sheep, cattle and goats to prolonged suffering on the high seas.

The rules are so stringent that it’s unlikely that any of the existing live animal transport vessels would be able to comply, raising the possibility that the legislation could prevent live animal transport completely. Or simply be ignored.

Published under the Animals Protection Act of 1962, the 60-page document details new standards for everything from the condition of vehicles and vessels and the qualifications of onboard veterinarians to the layout of pens, the density of animals per square metre and even the permissible levels of ammonia gas created when animals urinate.