We’re calling on Namibia to reverse its decision and stop exporting live cattle to Mauritius, in a letter we’ve sent to the Livestock and Livestock Products Board, today (22 April 2026), along with 12 partner organisations.

A severe foot-and-mouth outbreak in South Africa has meant exports from the country have been cancelled. Unfortunately, neighbouring Namibia has stepped in to fill the gap.

More than 2,700 live cattle have already departed Namibia for Mauritius, with further exports planned.

The reality of long sea journeys

These long, inhumane sea journeys last around two weeks – and the conditions animals endure on board are cruel. Our main concerns for the cattle on board these ships include:

crowded pens and slurry‑soaked, slippery floors
high ammonia levels that make breathing difficult
extreme temperatures and humidity on board
risks of falls, heat stress, malnutrition, and dehydration.

It’s time to halt live exports

That’s why we’re calling for the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia to halt the export of live cattle. Animals should be slaughtered humanely close to their farm, and exports should instead be in the form of meat and carcasses. This would make sure local livelihoods were still supported, but without unnecessary animal suffering.

What’s more, fellow advocates at Stop Live Export SA note that economic benefits cannot be justified at the expense of the law and animal welfare. We share this concern and believe that genuine progress must place animal welfare at the centre of decisionmaking.

Alexis Olds, head of Compassion in World Farming Africa, said:

In light of the great suffering involved for cattle in long sea journeys, we urge Namibia to end this inhumane trade as a matter of urgency. With meat exports a valid economic alternative, there is no need for these animals to be transported on gruelling sea journeys alive – facing extreme temperatures, stress, dehydration and more.

In Africa and beyond, we will continue to advocate for an end to live exports.

Raising the alarm over African live cattle exports