As Ban Live Exports Awareness Day is marked globally, SLESA is renewing calls for South Africa to ban live animal exports by sea, arguing that humane alternatives already exist.
Animal welfare advocates across South Africa are using Ban Live Exports: International Awareness Day on 14 June to highlight growing concerns about the future of live animal exports and to encourage government to adopt stronger animal welfare protections.
Stop Live Exports South Africa (SLESA) says the awareness day arrives at a critical moment for the agricultural sector. While some international meat export markets have started reopening following recent foot-and-mouth disease challenges, the organisation warns that this progress should not be used as justification for expanding live animal exports.
According to SLESA, South Africa has an opportunity to strengthen its position as a modern agricultural exporter by focusing on humane and sustainable trade practices rather than supporting long-distance live animal transport by sea.
Public opposition to the industry continues to grow. SLESA reports that more than 2,100 South Africans have signed its petition calling for a national ban on live exports. The organisation says this adds to more than 17,000 public submissions opposing the trade during the recent regulatory consultation process.
The issue has also attracted increasing international attention. SLESA is among the signatories to a global open letter submitted to the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), calling for stronger animal transport standards and greater scrutiny of long-distance live exports.
Animal welfare advocates argue that the debate extends beyond agriculture and trade. They say it is also about South Africa’s commitment to ethical treatment of animals and its international reputation as a country that values responsible and sustainable practices.
Support for stronger regulation has also emerged from within the veterinary profession. Earlier this year, the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) released a position statement recognising that significant welfare concerns remain inherent in live export by sea and noting that alternative approaches are available.
For campaigners, the awareness day is an opportunity to encourage public engagement and keep the issue on the national agenda. They believe growing public awareness, scientific evidence and international momentum are creating a stronger case for reform.
As organisations around the world mark Ban Live Exports Awareness Day, SLESA is calling on government to demonstrate leadership by prioritising animal welfare and exploring alternatives that support both agriculture and humane treatment standards.
The organisation says ending live exports would align South Africa with a growing global movement seeking more ethical and sustainable approaches to animal agriculture and international trade.
