The Government has reversed a long-awaited ban on live animal exports.
The decision to revive the trade, which was met with widespread opposition from New Zealanders and animal welfare organisations, has been slammed by critics as "cruel" and a step backwards for the country's values. According to Steve Abel, Green Party Animal Welfare spokesperson, the move contravenes both the spirit and letter of New Zealand's own Animal Welfare Act.
The reinstatement of live exports comes despite concerns over animal welfare during transit, with numerous incidents in recent years resulting in animal deaths, as well as crew fatalities on ships carrying livestock. A survey commissioned by SPCA found that only 19% of respondents supported overturning the ban, while 56% of farmers backed keeping it in place.
The trade was banned in April last year following two major live export disasters in previous years, including the sinking of the Gulf Livestock 1 with 6,000 pregnant cows on board. The decision has been met with international criticism, as several countries have moved to ban or restrict live exports due to its perceived cruelty and outdated methods.
The Government's decision to opt for limited "targeted engagement" over a more transparent submissions process has also been questioned by critics, who argue that this approach effectively silenced opposition to the trade.