New Zealand government passes bill to ban livestock exports by sea

Source: Radio New Zealand

Government passes bill to ban livestock exports by sea

7:37 pm on 28 September 2022

Livestock exports by sea will cease next year, after the government passed a bill to ban them.

Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor said the ban would protect New Zealand's reputation for world-leading animal welfare standards.

The Gulf Livestock 1 tragedy in September 2020, where 6000 cattle and 41 crew died, highlighted the real risks, he said.

But National and ACT did not support the bill, with ACT saying officials warned the ban would cause an economic loss to rural communities.

The ban kicks in on 30 April - but livestock exports by air will still be allowed due to shorter travel times.

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Read more: https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/475676/government-passes-bill-to-ban-livestock-exports-by-sea