New Zealand bans the export of live animals by sea from April 2023

Sydney (Australia), September 28 (EFE).- The New Zealand government on Wednesday approved a ban on the export of live animals by sea, effective from April 30, 2023, for animal welfare reasons.

“New Zealand’s remoteness means animals are at sea for long periods of time, making them vulnerable to heat stress and other welfare risks,” Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said.

The Oceanic nation’s government began a review of existing laws on the export of live animals by sea in 2019, in response to concerns that their trade could jeopardize New Zealand’s reputation for high animal welfare standards, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Agriculture. .

This legislation reinforces and builds on New Zealand’s reputation as a safe and ethical producer of high quality food.

According to O’Connor, the ban will have a “minor” impact on exports of the primary sector.

Live animal exports by sea will account for 0.6 percent of total primary sector exports in 2021, worth NZ$53 billion (US$29.5 billion or nearly US$31 billion) in 2021, according to official data.

That 0.6 percent corresponds to a reduction of 318 million New Zealand dollars (over 177 million US dollars or over 185 million euros).

In September 2020, a ship carrying nearly 6,000 cattle from New Zealand capsized off the coast of Japan, killing 41 people.

Over the years, many countries have begun to reconsider the transport of live animals on long-haul routes.

For example, Australia has banned sheep exports to the Middle East during the boreal summer since 2019, although it is extending the period from June 14 to September 14 – the heat of the season in the Red Sea. EFE

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