UK: Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill announced in King’s speech

The export of live cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and horses for slaughter and fattening will be permanently banned under the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill announced in the King’s speech on 7 November 2023. This comes after the UK Government’s prior initiative to ban exports as part of wider animal welfare reforms was discarded earlier this year. If the bill becomes law, it is expected to extend and apply to England, Wales and Scotland.