International groups join call for SA to ban live animal exports

A coalition of leading animal protection organisations from Australia and New Zealand have addressed an open letter to South Africa’s Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen.

The letter calls on the South African government to reject live animal exports by sea and instead transition to humane alternatives. Drawing on Australia’s decision to phase out live sheep exports by 2028 and New Zealand’s full ban in 2023, the organisations highlight overwhelming public support, mounting scientific evidence of cruelty, and the reputational risks for South Africa if it formalises this controversial trade.

The signatories emphasise that South Africa risks falling behind international standards if it formalises live export in policy.

Minister, we respectfully urge you to demonstrate that you care about the welfare of South African farm animals and ban live exports by sea. This would help to ensure a more humane and sustainable future for animal welfare and would be applauded by the global community.