Written Question·Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs·UIN 2709

Donkeys and Horses: Smuggling

Tabled: 30 August 2024
Answered: 9 September 2024

Question

John McDonnell

LabourHayes and Harlington

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps he is taking to tackle the smuggling of (a) horses, (b) ponies and (c) donkeys.

Answer

Daniel Zeichner
Exporting horses and other equines from Great Britain for slaughter is banned under the Animal Welfare (Livestock Exports) Act 2024. More broadly, the Government is reviewing options to improve equine identification and traceability.