The South African Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) has released draft regulations governing the live export of animals by sea, reigniting the debate over the welfare of animals subjected to gruelling sea journeys.
The announcement has drawn criticism from animal welfare advocates, including the Humane World for Animals South Africa (HWASA), which has condemned the live export trade as cruelty to animals.
HWASA has pointed to evidence of animal suffering aboard vessels, including overcrowding, heat stress, injuries, dehydration and inadequate access to veterinary care or rest during weeks-long voyages.
The arrival of the vessel, Al Kuwait, which was transporting thousands of sheep when it docked in Cape Town in 2024 leaving a stench across the city for days, remained “a stark reminder of the cruelty inherent in this practice”, the association said.
“The science is clear: live export by sea is fundamentally incompatible with animal welfare,” said Tony Gerrans, HWASA executive director.
“The public has a crucial role to play in ensuring the government prioritises an end to animal suffering in this trade.”
The proposed regulations under the Animals Protection Act of 1962 include provisions to improve the conditions of animals while in transit at sea such as requirements to provide ample feed and clean water with reserves for at least seven extra days in case of delays.
Animals must have enough space to stand naturally, move, lie down and access feed and water troughs without contamination by urine or faeces. Sick or injured animals must be isolated and treated immediately or euthanised.
All vessels transporting livestock must be fitted with back-up power supplies and working ventilation and drainage systems to remove waste, and regular cleaning is required to prevent ammonia levels exceeding 25 parts per million.
The association said the release of the draft regulations marked “a critical opportunity for public intervention” and called on all South Africans who care about animals to review the proposed rules and submit comments. The deadline for public comments is 25 August 2025.
