Bryce Edwards: Political Roundup – Government's ban on live animal exports 17 Apr, 2021 02:50 AM 11 minutes to read The Government has confirmed plans to ban live animal exports from 2023 – a move that has already drawn criticism from some in the industry. The Government has confirmed plans to ban live animal exports from 2023 – a move that has already drawn criticism from some in the industry. ANALYSIS: The Labour Government received plaudits this week for its historic announcement it will ban the live export of animals by sea. It's said to be a world first. The decision comes after years of pressure, which increased after last year's tragedy when the ship Gulf Livestock 1 left New Zealand and sunk in a storm, killing nearly 6000 cows and 41 sea crew. Of course, there has also been opposition to the ban, and important questions raised over some of the details.