Ban on Livestock Exports by Sea
On April 21st , New Zealand officially ended its livestock exports by sea, citing animal welfare concerns. The ban comes after the sinking of the livestock carrier Gulf Livestock 1 in 2020.
The sinking of the vessel, carrying more than 6,000 cattle bound for China, resulted in the death of all but two crew members and all animals on board.
The New Zealand government’s decision to end the export of live animals by sea was made in 2021. A two-year transition period was introduced to allow farmers to change their export patterns.
