Overview

This bill aims to completely ban the export of live farmed animals from the UK for slaughter or fattening. A limited exception exists for animals born in Northern Ireland and slaughtered in the Republic of Ireland within six weeks of arrival.

Description

The Live Animal Exports (Prohibition) Bill makes it a criminal offence to export live farmed animals from the UK for slaughter or fattening. This includes directly exporting animals and arranging or facilitating such exports.

Exceptions

The bill exempts the export of animals from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland, provided those animals were born in Northern Ireland and are slaughtered in the Republic of Ireland within six weeks of arrival.

Penalties

Penalties for violating the ban vary across the UK. In England and Wales, offenders face up to 51 weeks imprisonment, a fine, or both. In Scotland, the maximum penalty is 12 months imprisonment and/or a level 5 fine. In Northern Ireland, the maximum penalty is 6 months imprisonment and/or a level 5 fine.

Definition

A "farmed animal" is defined as an animal bred or kept for food, wool, or skin production.

Commencement

The bill will come into effect on "exit day," as defined in the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2017.

Government Spending

The bill's direct impact on government spending is not explicitly stated. However, enforcement costs associated with monitoring and prosecuting offenses are likely to be incurred.

Groups Affected

• Farmers: The bill could significantly impact farmers involved in exporting live animals, potentially affecting their businesses and livelihoods.
• Animal welfare organisations: These groups are likely to support the bill, viewing it as a positive step towards improving animal welfare standards.
• Transportation companies: Companies involved in transporting live animals for export will also be directly affected by this ban.
• Abattoirs: Abattoirs and slaughterhouses in the UK could experience changes in their supply chains.
• Consumers: The ban could impact the availability and price of certain meat products.
• Businesses in Ireland: Businesses in Ireland relying on live animal imports from Northern Ireland might be affected, especially if the exceptions outlined in the bill prove insufficient.

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