The Facts:

• The Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF) is responsible for the welfare of animals in South Africa.
• DAFF has no regulations in place to manage the export of live animals by sea.
• The only legislation that is in place to protect animals in South Africa is the Animals’ Protection Act (APA).
• The APA does not address the export of live animals by sea.
• Farm animals are exported from South Africa to Mauritius every year.
• The Page Farming Trust in East London is the sole exporter of live farm animals from East London to Mauritius.
• “Cattle” are brought in from feedlots all over the country to the Page Farming Trust farm.
• Converted motorcar carriers are used to transport the farm animals to Mauritius.
• The sea journey between East London and Port Louis, Mauritius, may last anything between ten and thirteen days, depending on ocean conditions.
• “Cattle” are loaded onto different decks made of iron grids.
• Urine and faeces from the upper levels fall onto the animals on the lower levels.
• Animals on the lower decks become covered in faeces and are unable to breathe properly due to poor ventilation.
• There is an overpowering smell, and ammonia builds up, because animal excretions are not removed regularly.
• The animals become fatigued because they do not have space to all lie down at the same time.
• Noise, lighting, heat and the motion of the vessel all add to higher stress levels.
• There is no reason why these animals cannot be slaughtered in South Africa, and the meat then exported overseas.  This would cut out a large part of the suffering involved in the slaughter process.

How you can help:

• Spread the word about the cruelty of live animal exports.
• If you live in East London or surrounds, join one of our Live Export Protests aimed at creating awareness around this inhumane process.