Banning Live Animal Exports Learning from a Century-Long Campaign

Preface

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1. Introduction

Chapter 2. Changes in understanding of animal welfare leads to the first welfare laws on farm transport

Chapter 3. Early success: the campaign to end live exports of horses

Chapter 4. The rise of harmonised laws and protests

Chapter 5. The beginning of the end: the impact of BSE and creating new markets

Chapter 6. The impact of regional and global trade rules on export bans

Chapter 7. The ease of replicating a live exports ban in the European Union

Chapter 8. The ease of replicating a UK live exports ban in Australia

Chapter 9. The ease of replicating a UK live exports ban in New Zealand, South Africa and Brazil

Chapter 10. The Economics of live exports

Chapter 11. Conclusions

Biography

David has worked to improve animal welfare in a variety of roles for over 40 years including in zoos, undertaking field research and with non-governmental organisations. These include the Environmental Investigation Agency and the RSPCA with whom he has worked for over 30 years. As the Head of Public Affairs and campaigns, he coordinates the RSPCA’s work to improve animal welfare through its campaign and political work.  The RSPCA, as the oldest animal welfare organisation in the world, was set up 201 years ago to investigate and improve the transport of farm animals and continues to work across the globe to improve transport laws. David has been involved with the campaigns on live transport in the UK and Europe for over 35 years, writing many reports on the issue and attending campaign rallys to end live exports from Britain which finally occurred in 2025. He is a board member of the World Federation for Animals, the Canine and Feline Sector Group which advises the Government on dogs and cats, and the Association of Dog and Cat Homes which is the umbrella organisation for animal rescues.

"In this compelling book, Bowles provides rare and strategic insight into the complex forces shaping the live animal transport system. It reveals how real change happens through layered, interconnected shifts in policy, economics and advocacy. A must-read for anyone serious about achieving lasting progress for animals.”

Reineke Hameleers, CEO Eurogroup for Animals

“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