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Every year, thousands of animals are shipped from South Africa to foreign countries, in conditions that cause immense suffering, only to be slaughtered at their destination. 

Globally, there have been instances where animals have died on board these vessels. This was highlighted in 2024 when the ‘Al Kuwait” vessel, which was on its way from Brazil to Iraq, docked in Cape Town in February causing a city-wide stink that highlighted the plight of the estimated 19 000 cattle on board. Inspectors from the NSPCA boarded the vessel to assess the condition of the animals. According to the NSPCA, the smell was caused by the conditions the livestock had endured, having spent two and a half weeks on board, with a build-up of faeces and ammonia. Several animals had to be euthanised due to injuries before the ship departed for the next leg of its journey.

 Animal Welfare concerns that have been documented historically in the global live export Industry are:

•Overcrowded and unsanitary conditions during transportation

•Dehydration, hunger, and exhaustion

•Motion sickness often leading to injury and death

•Exposure to extreme weather and heat stress

•Separation from their families and social groups

•High risk of animals getting sick and spreading zoonotic diseases ~ biohazard risk

•Animal welfare problems often arise at some export destinations, where the industry might employ inhumane methods of handling, further transportation, and slaughter.

Live export also creates greater potential for the occurrence of illnesses and diseases to spread between animals and into the regions where they are being transported and confined on their way to port.  Zoonoses are diseases transmissible between animals (domestic and wildlife) and humans. Approximately 75% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonotic. Zoonoses have considerable impacts on human health, livelihoods, and ecosystems. 

For more info visit the Stop Live Export SA website.

South Africans do not want their animals subjected to cruelty and suffering. South African people embrace the spirit of “Ubuntu”, which recognises the interconnectedness of all beings, and that humans are part of a larger and more significant relational, communal, societal, environmental and spiritual world.

Many other countries have already outlawed this barbaric practice, for example New Zealand, Brazil, and the UK. Australia has also recently legislated a ban on live export, to be phased in by 2028. South Africa needs to follow this example and STOP putting profits before compassion!

SIGN OUR PETITION CALLING ON THE SOUTH AFRICAN GOVERNMENT TO BAN LIVE ANIMAL EXPORTS! 🚫