Ban live exports to slaughter

Ever since our founder, Ada Cole, stood on the docks and witnessed the cruel and brutal treatment of work weary horses being exported from British shores to slaughter abroad, we have been campaigning to stop this trade. Laws were passed that made the live export of horses to slaughter much more challenging, but none made it illegal. 

World Horse Welfare was delighted when, in May 2024, the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Bill passed into law. Once it is brought into force, this Act will finally ban the trade in horses, ponies and donkeys being sent abroad for slaughter. Unfortunately, the UK general election was called before a commencement date for this Act was set, but we are hopeful it will be brought into force as soon as the UK has a new government.

This landmark milestone was only achieved thanks to the thousands who campaigned on this issue alongside us, writing to MPs and the Prime Minister and making sure it remained on the political agenda.

Read more about our reaction to the UK ban on live exports to slaughter.