Campaigns

Live Export

Overview
The ILPH was founded in 1927 after our founder, Ada Cole, witnessed appalling scenes on the docks of Antwerp of British horses destined for slaughter in Europe.

ILPH Petition to EU Parliament

The ILPH achieved a major success in 1937 when ILPH Honorary Director, Sir George Cockerill MP introduced the concept of the Exportation of Horses Act (Minimum Values), which in effect prevented the export of low value working horses and ponies for slaughter.

Since this date, the ILPH has continued to campaign to prevent the live export of British horses and ponies from this trade.

Recent developments in European law have meant that this legislation is at risk of being revoked. However, following the ILPH campaign, which was supported by many sympathetic MP’s and MEP’s, the UK authorities have agreed that it may be possible to introduce additional welfare measures that would make the export of horses, ponies and donkeys from the UK for slaughter extremely difficult, if not impossible.

Key Facts

Minimum Values prohibits ponies and working horses under a certain value from being exported, which effectively prevents live export to slaughter.
According to recent figures from customs and excise, there are no exports of live horses from the UK for slaughter.
In March 2004, the ILPH handed a petition of 85,410 signatures to the European Parliament ahead of their vote on a new EU Regulation which would dictate how all animals, including horses should be transported within the EU. This petition resulted in many of the ILPH’s recommendations being adopted, including one amendment which would enable the UK to introduce higher standards of welfare within our own borders and during crossings by sea.
Following approaches from the ILPH, MP’s and MEP’s UK authorities have agreed that these powers could be used to put in place additional welfare measures which could in effect make the export of horses, ponies and donkeys for slaughter difficult, if not impossible.
To download our Q&A on Transportation and Live Exports, click here.

The Future
The ILPH is currently consulting with Defra on this issue to ensure that British horses, ponies and donkeys are never subjected to this inhumane and unnecessary trade.

ACT NOW! Campaigning is the business of changing attitudes, generating support and making a difference. Please get in touch with us to find out how you can help please get in touch with Emma Seel in the Campaigns Team on 01953 497266 or e-mail: emma@ilph.org

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The International
League for the
Protection of Horses

Charity no. 206658
Head Office:
Anne Colvin House, Snetterton
Norfolk, NR16 2LR

Tel: 01953 498682

UK Welfare Hotline
08000 480180