Petition calls for ban on live exports

A PETITION signed by more than 7,500 people calling for an end to the long distance transport of animals, and its replacement by a trade in meat, will be handed into the Department of Agriculture and Food in Dublin today.

The animal welfare group, Compassion in World Farming (CIWF), who organised the petition, wants live exports banned. Proposed new rules for animal transport are now being discussed by EU Agriculture Council working groups and will go before the European Parliament. Ministers will make a final decision next year.

The farm lobby has warned the €200 million a year live cattle export trade from Ireland is under threat from the proposals.