Banning Live Animal Exports
Learning from a Century-Long Campaign
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd
Publishing:30th Jun '26
£29.99
This title is due to be published on 30th June, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
This is the first book to look at live exports of animals, one of the most emotive animal welfare issues still needing to be solved. The UK’s historical concern with the exportation of animals to Europe has resulted in the creation of organisations to oppose it, mass demonstrations and even people dying in their efforts to stop the practice. The only animal welfare issue raised as a Brexit dividend, live exports were finally stopped in 2025. Why did it take 100 years to achieve this result?
In this book, David Bowles explores why live export of animals ever happened and why it ended, examining the economic, social and public opinion drivers, Britain’s challenging relationship with Europe, and the different species impacted. It assesses campaigns to stop the trade in horses, sheep, cattle and calves from eight different countries, and determines why some were successful whilst others have increased rather than stopped. For instance,
- How was the First World War important in stopping the live export of horses from Britain?
- Why did live exports of cattle start after the 2nd World War and how was the British trade stopped?
- Why did Australia ban the live exports of sheep but not cattle?
- Do agricultural subsidies encourage or curtail live exports?
- How can you construct a live exports ban and remain consistent with international trade and animal welfare rules?
- How important was Brexit in the decision to ban live export of animals?
- Can other countries follow the UK and Australia in the future as campaigning in developing and importing countries starts?
Delving into campaigning tactics, Bowles asks whether the British ban is the beginning of the end for all live exports of animals or just a curious anomaly, specific to a so-called nation of animal lovers.
As well as being highly relevant for those in animal welfare, this book offers insights for anybody in social/political advocacy, campaigning and activism, regardless of the issue.
“David Bowles has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the live exports issue and was involved in some of the most important moments and initiatives leading toward the historic ban in 2024. This epic campaign mobilised middle England and touched the hearts of so many people from all backgrounds. It propelled farmed animal welfare centre stage and meant that, delay as they might, governments in the end had to act.
This book provides a strong and compelling case study and will be a vital resource for anyone who wants to know the painstaking yet essential lengths we have to go to if we are to drive further meaningful change for animals, people and the planet.”
Philip Lymbery, Global CEO, Compassion in World Farming
“This book is needed. Combining content about animal welfare, the political and policy landscape and lifting the lid on the campaigning strategy and tactics used to achieve the live export ban, this book will appeal to those interested in animal protection and in advocacy more broadly.”
Bidda Jones, co-founder and Director of Strategy, Australian Alliance for Animals
“The banning of live export of animals to slaughter is a significant milestone in animal welfare policy, and it is vital to have this update to the campaign and policy history. David Bowles is deeply experienced and knowledgeable, and an excellent writer.”
Jessica Stark, Director of Communications and Public Affairs, World Horse Welfare
“This book is both timely and necessary. The issue of live exports continues to generate strong interest worldwide, and this offers a valuable opportunity to explore not only the historical and political dimensions of the UK ban, but also the broader lessons for campaigners and policymakers in other countries. It fills a clear gap in the literature by combining case-based insight with strategic reflection on advocacy and legislative change.”
Susanna Blattner, Farm Animals Slaughter & Transport Programme Officer, Eurogroup for Animals, Brussels, Belgium
“This book offers a very important case study on a successful animal welfare campaign that directly impacted trade. There are few examples of such campaigns, so an in-depth study of this case is valuable for future campaigns and policy making.”
Ren Ryba, independent animal advocacy/welfare consultant (previously at Animal Ask 2021-2025)
"David Bowles’ 25 years at RSPCA cover a quarter of the timescale of the book, and he has been directly involved in the campaign for all that time. This is an important book marking the historic end of live exports, providing vital context to the kinds of pressures and levers the animal welfare movement has to navigate.”
Emma Slawinski, CEO League Against Cruel Sports, UK
ISBN: 9781041147428
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
192 pages