The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Defra’s proposed ban on export of live animals ‘a populist move’
Fears have been raised as the ability to transport live animals in ferries is vital for island farmers
The UK Government is understood to be considering a complete ban on the export of live animals for slaughter.
International trade in live animals for slaughter is tiny in comparison to the sector as a whole and it is estimated that fewer than 20,000 sheep and no cattle were exported from the UK last year.
However the ability to transport live animals in ferries is vital for farmers in Scotland’s islands, and there are fears that if a ban on shipments was introduced it could have a knock-on impact on livestock production in the Western and Northern isles.
A spokesman for Defra Secretary Michael Gove, who yesterday visited the Stirling Bull Sales, said he was “attracted to the idea” of a ban and was considering all options.
It is expected that a consultation on the emotive subject will be launched in the spring.
However the Scottish Government has set its face against the idea, with Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing insisting that Scotland would not follow a Defra lead.
“Any such move would potentially do substantial harm to our quality livestock sector, not least farming in the Western Isles, Shetland and Orkney, as well as trade with Northern Ireland,” he said.
“The Scottish Government will therefore not support the banning of live exports of livestock, but will remain committed to the welfare of all animals during transport adhering to the current rigorous standards which apply.”
National Sheep Association Scotland chairman, John Fyall described the Defra proposal as a populist move without any strong animal welfare justification.
He added: “We haven’t heard enough about what’s being proposed, but whatever parameters are set for such a ban, it mustn’t impact on Scotland’s interisland ferries.”