Countdown to end Cruelty: Why South Africans must act now to stop live exports

The clock is ticking for South Africans to speak up against the live export of animals by sea. The public has until 25 August to submit comments on new draft regulations — a deadline animal welfare groups say could be a turning point in ending a practice they describe as inherently cruel and economically short-sighted.

Now is the moment for citizens to make their voices heard, Alexis Olds, head of Southern Africa at Compassion in World Farming told Clarence Ford in an interview on Cape Talk on Friday, 14 August. ‘You don’t have to be an expert in agriculture or animal law to speak up,’ she stressed. ‘Anyone who believes South Africa should not support live animal export can and should submit their views.’

Why a ban is needed

The Department of Veterinary Services introduced guidelines for live animal export in 2023, but these had no legal standing. This year’s proposed regulations would give them the force of law — yet Olds says they still fall far short.

‘Once ships leave South African waters, there is no oversight and no enforcement,’ she explained. ‘We cannot compel the receiving countries — many of which have even weaker animal protection laws — to meet welfare standards. The result is that animals are subjected to horrific conditions for weeks on end.’

Conditions on board are often appalling: animals packed at high densities, standing or lying in their own waste, with limited access to food, water, or ventilation. The Al Kuwait, which docked in Cape Town last year, was not an exception, Olds said — it was typical.

Some importing countries argue for live shipments to ensure meat is slaughtered according to halal requirements. But Olds disputes this logic: ‘For meat to be halal, animals should be calm and unstressed — something impossible after weeks at sea in cramped, filthy conditions. South Africa is perfectly capable of producing halal-certified meat locally and shipping it chilled.’

Global shift

Many countries have already banned the practice. New Zealand outlawed live exports in 2023, and the United Kingdom followed suit in 2024 after pressure from Compassion in World Farming. In July 2024, the Australian Parliament passed legislation mandating the end of live sheep exports by sea, with the trade ending on 1 May 2028. ‘More and more governments are recognising the cruelty of export by sea,’ Olds said. ‘It’s baffling that South Africa is moving in the opposite direction.’

Supporters of live exports claim they boost the economy and create jobs. Olds disagrees. ‘By sending animals live, we cut out the entire agroprocessing industry here — losing jobs and value. Much of the export trade is controlled by foreign-owned companies, so the economic benefit to South Africans, particularly emerging farmers, is minimal.’

Beyond the economics, Olds emphasised that animal welfare is the central issue. ‘These are sentient beings. They feel fear, pain, and stress. No matter the regulation, you cannot enforce welfare at sea. It is an animal welfare tragedy.’

How to take action

Olds urged the public to join the campaign coordinated by Stop Live Export South Africa. The process is simple: visit the Dear South Africa campaign site, and take just 2 minutes to answer 3 simple questions. 

Those with legal or animal welfare expertise are especially encouraged to provide detailed feedback on the draft regulations — guidance on the process can be found here.

‘We need as many South Africans as possible to tell government: we will not accept this. We want a complete ban on live exports by sea,’ Olds said.

Stay informed

• Sign the Petition to ban live export by sea
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