South Africans Unite to Protect Animals from Cruel Sea Transport
South Africans Unite to Protect Animals from Cruel Sea Transport
Image supplied by the publicist
A powerful wave of compassion is sweeping across South Africa as a diverse coalition of animal welfare organisations rallies to protect sentient animals from the cruel and unnecessary practice of live export by sea.
Humane World for Animals South Africa, Four Paws, Stop Live Export South Africa, Beauty Without Cruelty and many others are calling on citizens to object to draft regulations that would formalise this harmful trade.
This is not a campaign against meat export—it’s a campaign for dignity, ethics, and the humane treatment of animals. The proposed regulations, introduced by Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen, threaten to embed live animal export into South Africa’s legal framework, despite overwhelming public opposition and global momentum toward banning the practice.
“While the rest of the world moves away from shipping live animals long distances for slaughter, South Africa risks falling behind,”
says Tony Gerrans, Executive Director of Humane World for Animals SA.
“These regulations are not about protecting animals—they’re about greenwashing cruelty.”
A Global Shift Toward Humane Trade
Countries like Luxembourg, New Zealand, Germany, and the UK have already banned live export by sea, and Australia is set to follow by 2028. These nations have recognised that no amount of regulation can eliminate the suffering inherent in this practice.
South Africa now stands at a crossroads: will it follow the global trend toward compassion, or entrench a system that subjects animals to overcrowding, heat stress, motion sickness, and prolonged suffering with little to no veterinary care?
Economic Claims Don’t Hold Up
Despite claims that live export supports small-scale farmers, evidence shows that the trade overwhelmingly benefits wealthy commercial operations. Humane World SA and its partners argue that there are more ethical and economically sound ways to support emerging farmers—ways that don’t rely on cruelty.
Halaal Concerns and Religious Integrity
The issue also touches on religious concerns. Stressed animals do not meet Halaal standards, raising serious questions for Muslim consumers. The Muslim Judicial Council has joined the chorus of voices opposing the draft regulations, underscoring the need for transparency and ethical consistency.
Vets and Civil Society Speak Out
Veterinarians, civil society organisations, and everyday South Africans have spoken out through marches, petitions, and protests. The South African Veterinary Association condemned live export in 2020, and Humane World SA urges them to reaffirm their stance.
“Veterinary professionals must not be used to legitimise this suffering,”
says Gerrans.
“Their duty is to protect animals—not to normalise cruelty.”
Take Action Before 25 August
South Africans are being called on to raise their voices before the deadline of 25 August 2025. The draft regulations lack scientific benchmarks, enforceable protections, and transparency. They offer no real safeguards for animals at sea or at their destinations, where welfare laws are often absent.
“This is our moment to stand together,”
says Gerrans.
“To show the world that South Africa values compassion, ethics, and progress. Let’s protect our animals and reject this cruel trade.”
How to Submit Your Objection
- Submit via the Dear South Africa website
- Email your comments to VPH@Dalrrd.gov.za and copy RegulationsComments@stopliveexport.co.za
Deadline: 12pm on 25 August 2025
Together, we can build a more humane future—one where South Africa leads with heart.
