As the Scottish Government announces that they will oppose a ban on live exports we can reveal that thousands of ‘livestock’ animals are transported from Scotland to the rest of the EU per year.
Via Freedom of Information requests Scotland for Animals has discovered that from 2016 to early February 2018 nearly twenty two and a half thousand animals were sent to countries outwith Great Britain for breeding, production/ fattening and slaughter.
The countries where these animals ended up are Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Ireland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Arab Emirates.
In addition nearly fifty three thousand were transported to Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands.
We are in touch with our friends at Kent Action Against Live Exports who campaign to end this trade and document the misery which it creates.
If you have not already done so please contact First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and demand that government drop their support of live exports.
Feel free to base your personalised message on the following:
FAO First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Dear Ms Sturgeon,
I am writing regarding your administration’s opposition to a ban on the live export of animals.
I am aware that Ministers have been provided with information and evidence highlighting major welfare concerns within the industry. I am therefore deeply disappointed that the Scottish Government has chosen to support this trade.
Please be aware that this decision will reflect badly on the Scottish Government. I am sure that this will also further highlight it’s apparent disinterest in welfare improvements for animals reared for production and slaughter.
I would advise you to reconsider the situation and support a ban on live exports before any further damage is inflicted on your reputation.
Yours sincerely,
Send to firstminister@gov.scot
You can also send by post to:
The First Minister
The Scottish Government
St Andrew’s House
Regent Road
Edinburgh
EH1 3DG
Please also visit the Kent Action Against Live Exports site, kaale.org.uk, and give them your support.