One year of silence: Demanding Government response on live export ban petition

One year ago, a petition to safeguard the ban on live animal exports—signed by more than 57,000 New Zealanders—was formally presented to Parliament. Since then, the Government has remained silent.

Today, the petitioner and a coalition of leading animal organisations—Animals Aotearoa, Animal Save Aotearoa, HUHA, RNZSPCA, SAFE, Veterinarians for Animal Welfare Aotearoa (VAWA), World Animal Protection, and End Live Export New Zealand—are calling on the Government for an urgent update. The petition was handed over at parliament on 26 June 2024, yet to date there has been no public response or updates on progress of the petition.

The petitioner, Dr John Hellström ONZM has been concerned about live exports for over 30 years,

“I was heartened to see so many New Zealanders raise their voices by adding their names to the petition,” says Dr Hellström. “It sent a clear message to the Government that Kiwis of all political views will not tolerate the return of this practice. But it’s deeply disappointing—and frankly unusual—that I’ve heard nothing a full year on, particularly as other less supported petitions have been responded to in the meantime.”

The groups reaffirm that New Zealanders have made their stance clear: reinstating live exports would be a step backward for animal welfare.

“With so many people signing the petition, this is an issue the Government cannot ignore,” says Dr Arnja Dale, SPCA Chief Scientific Officer. “The scientific evidence is clear. Live export poses significant, inherent risks to animal welfare that cannot be mitigated. We urge decision-makers to listen to both the public and the science and reaffirm our country’s commitment to upholding animal welfare.”

Company Director of World Animal Protection Australia, Ben Pearson, says New Zealand’s ban on the live export of animals by sea was an act of international leadership in animal welfare, and followed soon after by similar bans and phase outs in Australia and the United Kingdom.

“To reintroduce live export would be a huge step backwards and damage New Zealand’s international reputation.”

Debra Ashton, SAFE Chief Executive Officer, says “We were the first country in the world to announce a ban because it was the right thing to do. This victory was a testament to the majority of New Zealanders who care about animal welfare. Overturning the ban will do nothing more than put the welfare of animals at risk during the voyage and at their destination.”