In an interview with Smile 904FM, Stop Live Export SA chairperson Michelle Taberer and veterinarian Dr Bevin Meyer discuss why South African vets are now calling for a ban on the live export of animals by sea — and why growing concern over animal welfare is putting pressure on the government to act.
Stop Live Export SA has addressed an open letter to Agriculture Minister John Steenhuisen calling for the suspension – and permanent prohibition – of live animal exports in light of the ongoing Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak.
SLESA sharply criticised proposed live-export laws during a parliamentary briefing on 18 November, warning that the draft regulations ignore animal-welfare risks, the Pretoria News reports.
An article published in the Cape Argus reports on a major High Court ruling that restores the NSPCA’s full powers to monitor and document animal cruelty during live-export shipments. The decision comes as SLESA presented its own challenge to Parliament, urging a ban on the trade.
Australian veterinarian Dr Lynne Simpson shared stark firsthand evidence with SA politicians: live export by sea exposes animals to heat stress, disease, injuries and mechanical dangers that cannot be prevented. Her message was clear—this trade is inherently cruel and cannot be made safe.
Stop Live Exports SA told the Parlimentary Portfolio Committee on Agriculture that the government’s plan to formalise live animal export by sea will entrench cruelty, undermine the Animal Protection Act, and damage South Africa’s global reputation. In a two-hour briefing, SLESA urged MPs to intervene before new regulations are gazetted.
Stop Live Export South Africa (SLESA) has joined international animal-welfare organisations in calling for urgent intervention in the case of the livestock carrier MV Spiridon 2, currently anchored at Bandırma Port, Türkiye with 2,901 surviving cattle still trapped on board and at least 48 confirmed dead.
Daily Maverick reports on the NSPCA’s strong condemnation of the Department of Agriculture’s draft live export regulations. Describing them as ‘deeply flawed’, the organisation warns that they fail to protect animals from suffering during sea transport.
International animal welfare organisations are urging South Africa to follow global momentum and ban live animal exports by sea. Read the letter →
While most of us can only imagine the smell of a ship with 19,000 confined animals forced to live in their own waste for a fortnight, it’s nearly impossible to comprehend what it is like for the animals existing in these conditions.
Now is the moment for citizens to make their voices heard, says Alexis Olds, head of Southern Africa at Compassion in World Farming. ‘You don’t have to be an expert in agriculture or animal law to speak up. Anyone who believes South Africa should not support live animal export can and should submit their views.’
Weekend Argus and IOL have reported on Stop Live Export’s ‘powerful mobilisation’ against the new live animal export regulations released by the Department of Agriculture.
