Northern Ireland stakeholders have been urged to respond to a UK-wide call for evidence on live exports of farm animals by Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), Chief Veterinary Officer, Robert Huey.

The DEFRA is seeking views on controlling live exports of farm animals for slaughter once the United Kingdom has left the European Union, in order to improve animal welfare.

The exercise, which will also examine higher welfare standards for live animal movements, was launched by Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, on behalf of the UK government and Devolved Administrations of Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Mr Gove has stated that all options will be considered and he is keen to hear from industry, the devolved authorities and charities in relation to this issue.

A number of future improvements in this area are being considered by DEFRA, including a potential ban on the live export of animals for slaughter.

Robert Huey, the Chief Veterinary Officer for Northern Ireland said: "As the agricultural industry in Northern Ireland is involved in the transportation of significant volumes of live animals to Great Britain, Ireland and to other European member states, I would encourage all key stakeholders to make their voices heard.

"In order to create a complete and rounded picture, I would encourage anyone with an interest in this area to consider the document and submit evidence."

(MH/LM)