Despite strong opposition, on 11 July 2025, the Minister of Agriculture, Mr John Steenhuisen, released draft Regulations for the Export of Live Animals by Sea in an attempt by the government to legitimise and perpetuate this harmful practice.
Individuals and organisations are invited to submit written comments on the proposed regulations within 45 days from the date of publication. The public participation period closes at 12pm on 25 August 2025.
Live animal export by sea has been shown time and again—across the world—to cause unavoidable suffering. No set of rules can make this trade humane. You can read more about the live export trade from South Africa here. We urge all South Africans to stand against attempts to regulate cruelty and instead demand a full and permanent ban.
The following documents can be downloaded below to assist you with submitting your comments on the draft regulations:
- A comments template which can be used
To submit your comments on the draft regulations, email VPH@dalrrd.gov.za and copy RegulationsComments@stopliveexport.co.za. Please retain a copy of your submission for reference.
Comments can also be submitted on the Dear South Africa platform for those who do not wish to submit detailed comments but simply wish to demand a ban. Access the campaign here.
Live exports are pure evil.
We agree completely Lorraine! Please can you submit a comment on the draft live export regulations? See https://stopliveexport.co.za/government-releases-draft-regulations-for-the-export-of-live-animals-by-sea/
You can also have your say here: https://dears.africa/campaigns/should-live-animal-exports-be-banned-have-your-say#join_the_conversation
Thank you for your support 🙏
TOTAL BAN
TOTAL BAN
TOTAL BAN
TOTAL BAN
Absolutely – there is no other way. Please help us put pressure on government by participating in our Dear SA campaign and objecting to the draft regulations: https://dears.africa/campaigns/should-live-animal-exports-be-banned-have-your-say#join_the_conversation
TOTAL ABSOLUTE BAN ON THIS BEHAVIOUR!!! WE ARE SUPPOSED TO BE THE KEEPERS OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM.
HOW DOES ANYONE POSSIBLY ENJOY CHOPS AND STEAK AND CHICKEN WHEN WE KNOW THIS IS HAPPENING.
One of the greatest mysteries… If you haven’t already, please add your voice to the call to ban live export completely. You can submit a comment on the draft live export regulations and have your say on Dear South Africa.
Thank you for your support 🙏
Please protect animals!!
Please add your voice to our call to ban this practice: You can submit a comment on the draft live export regulations and have your say on Dear South Africa.
Thank you for your support 🙏
TOTALLY BAN the LIVE EXPORT OF ANIMAL BY SEA
Yes, an outright ban is the only way. Please add your voice to our call to ban the live export of animals: You can submit a comment on the draft live export regulations and have your say on Dear South Africa.
Thank you for your support, Roland.
– Stop Animal Cruelty! These are sentient beings, not objects! If anyone wants to benefit from their lives, at least repay them with dignity and respect. What you sow comes back to you; life treats you the way you treat others. Stop the wickedness!
– No to animal cruelty and exploitation. Be fair!
– There must be ethical limits to how far we use others for our own benefit!
– Don’t be cruel! Nobody wants to enjoy life at the cost of another’s suffering!
– Unethical business is Not okay!
– No to robbing animals their dignity!! Pay them back with a respectful life if you want to benefit from them. Exploitation means taking advantage of someone without paying him back in return. No to exploitation!
Thank you Elige — Please add your voice to our call to ban the live export of animals: You can submit a comment on the draft live export regulations and have your say on Dear South Africa.
Thank you for your support 🙏
Total Ban
Total Ban! It is completely unacceptable and cruel
Thanks Nina — we agree. Please make your voice heard by submitting a comment on the draft live export regulations and having your say on Dear South Africa.
Processing animals in South Africa and exporting frozen and processed meat is more humane and also creates jobs and additional revenue.
The Export of Live Animals by Sea should be Banned.