I believe animals should be slaughtered locally wherever possible. However, under European Union free trade rules it is illegal to ban the export of animals to other EU countries. It is therefore imperative that the highest standards of animal welfare are followed by any business dealing with animals, and that these same standards are enforced across the EU.
EU and UK laws both protect the welfare of animals during transport. The European Commission recently studied the effectiveness of its own regulations, and found that although they have helped, there could be room for improvement. It was suggested that this should come from more effective enforcement
I have been assured that the Government will continue to pursue a more sustainable approach to the transport of livestock on long journeys. This includes calling on the EU Commission to update the rules on welfare during transport where there is sufficient scientific evidence to support a change.
Update – July 2016
While the UK negotiates its exit from the European Union, it will remain a Member and will continue to exercise the rights and obligations that come with membership. The UK's involvement in EU rules on animal welfare and trade will likely form part of exit negotiations, with future policy in this area considered by the Prime Minister in the context of these talks.