Since 2008, New Zealand has been known to export live animals, all of which are intended for breeding purposes rather than slaughter, with the majority of these exports going to China and Australia. However, on March 29, 2021, the government started a review of the livestock export trade and decided to outlaw the export of deer, goats, sheep, and cattle by ship.
Following the drowning of 6,000 cows and the deaths of 41 persons, including two citizens, during a deadly storm in 2020 near Japan, a new bill was submitted. Australia also wants to restrict live sheep exports by 2025, touting the decision as a way to protect the health of both domestic animals and sailors. Livestock exports have become a dying industry as a result.
O’Connor said “If New Zealand wants to be the most moral food producers,” he added, “we must stay ahead of the curve in a world where animal welfare is being scrutinized more and more.”
China, the largest trading partner of New Zealand and a significant buyer of live cattle, is not the subject of this discussion. Concern for animals is at issue! The decision, according to opposition MP Mark Cameron of the libertarian ACT Party, was emotional, expensive, and a "kick in the guts" to farmers. SAFE, an organization that advocates for animal rights, applauded the development.
Animals won’t suffer any longer in nations with laxer regulations of animal care, according to chief executive Debra Ashton. However, Ashton stated that it was concerned that thousands of cows might still be shipped by sea over the following two years, as well as that air exports of animals like young chickens and eels would continue.
One of the immediate challenges facing exporters is the financial impact of the ban. With the sudden halt in livestock exports, many exporters are facing significant financial losses, as they are left with unsold stock and contracted shipments that can no longer be fulfilled. This has forced some exporters to explore options such as selling their livestock domestically or diversifying their business operations to offset the losses incurred.
Furthermore, the ban has raised questions about the future viability of New Zealand's livestock export industry. With the closure of a major avenue for trade, exporters are left uncertain about the long-term prospects of their businesses. Some fear that the ban could lead to job losses and economic hardship in rural communities that rely heavily on the livestock export trade. Others worry about the potential for New Zealand to lose its competitive edge in the global market, as competitors from other countries continue to supply live animals to overseas markets.
In addition to the financial implications, exporters are also grappling with logistical challenges brought about by the ban. The sudden cessation of livestock exports has disrupted supply chains and left exporters with surplus stock that must be managed and cared for until alternative arrangements can be made. This has put strain on resources and infrastructure, as exporters work to find temporary housing and transport solutions for their animals.
Amidst the uncertainty and challenges, some exporters are calling for government support to help mitigate the impacts of the ban. They argue that financial assistance and guidance are needed to help affected businesses weather the storm and transition to alternative forms of trade. Additionally, there are calls for greater investment in domestic processing and value-added industries to create new opportunities for farmers and exporters in the wake of the ban.
On the other hand, animal welfare advocates welcome the ban as a positive step towards improving the welfare of animals in the livestock export trade. They argue that the long-distance transport of live animals poses significant risks to their health and well-being, citing instances of overcrowding, heat stress, and disease outbreaks during sea voyages. By halting live exports, they hope to see a shift towards more humane and sustainable practices, such as the export of chilled or frozen meat products instead of live animals.
In conclusion, the new ban on livestock exports in New Zealand has sent shockwaves through the agricultural sector, leaving exporters grappling with the financial, logistical, and regulatory challenges that lie ahead. While some see the ban as a necessary step towards improving animal welfare standards, others are concerned about its impact on the viability of the livestock export industry and the livelihoods of those involved. Moving forward, there is a pressing need for collaboration between government, industry stakeholders, and animal welfare advocates to address the complexities of the issue and chart a path towards a more sustainable and ethical future for New Zealand's agricultural sector.