SPCA submits to Parliament on live export petition

Behind the scenes, SPCA’s Science and Advocacy team has been working tirelessly on the live export issue, providing evidence-based analysis, engaging with stakeholders, and preparing robust submissions to ensure that animal welfare remains at the forefront of policy decisions.

On 8 September 2025, the SPCA New Zealand submitted on the petition presented by Dr. John Hellström ONZM, urging Parliament to uphold the ban on live export of farmed animals by sea. This petition, signed by over 57,000 New Zealanders, was handed over to Parliament on 26 June 2024.

SPCA supports this petition and has been proud to promote it to our supporters. Our organisation opposes the live export of any farmed animals by sea.

You can read the submission online.

We pointed out to the Primary Production Select Committee that two nationwide surveys commissioned by SPCA reveal that only 17% of respondents support overturning the existing ban. Animal welfare standards cannot make live export humane, as long voyages by sea inevitably expose animals to heat stress, lameness, disease, and other serious welfare harms. The truth is that live export by sea has been contentious for decades, and has no long-term future.

We are incredibly grateful to the tens of thousands of New Zealanders who signed Dr. Hellström’s petition, demonstrating the widespread public support for keeping our farmed animals safe. Your voices matter, and they help strengthen the message that high animal welfare standards are a cornerstone of our nation’s values.

SPCA looks forward to the opportunity to present its submission in person to the Primary Production Select Committee, advocating for the continued protection of animals.