Animal Welfare Groups Urge South Africa to Ban Live Animal Exports, Mostly Destined for the Middle East

South Africa is facing growing pressure from animal welfare organizations, veterinarians, and international NGOs to ban the export of live animals by sea. Most of South Africa’s shipments are destined for the Middle East and Mauritius. These groups argue that the trade is cruel by its very nature and that no amount of regulation can erase the suffering endured by animals during long voyages. The urgency of reform was underscored in 2024 when the vessel Al Kuwait left Cape Town with 19,000 cattle.