Controversial Decree Sparks Outrage

A recent decree by the Argentine government has ignited a firestorm of controversy. Decree 133/25, enacted on February 26th, eliminates the long-standing prohibition on exporting live animals for consumption.This decision, championed by Minister of Deregulation and Change of the State, Federico Sturzenegger, and endorsed by the Ministry of Economy under Luis Caputo, is being touted as a move to boost Argentina’s global trade presence.

A History of Protection: The Repealed Ban

The ban on live animal exports, initially implemented in 1973, aimed to safeguard the nation’s domestic meat supply. It compelled farmers to sell thier livestock to local processing plants,ensuring value-added exports through processed meat products. The government now argues that lifting this restriction will foster greater competition within the cattle and meat industries, leading to a more liberalized market.

Animal Welfare Under Threat: Activists Voice Concerns

However, animal rights advocates are vehemently opposing the decree, arguing it represents a important setback for animal welfare. Virginia Chort, a member of the Animalist Movement of Córdoba (MACA), asserts that the measure disregards essential animal rights.

This decree should not advance, as it facilitates the exploitation and suffering of animals by subjecting them to long transfers and inhuman conditions.
Virginia Chort, Animalist Movement of Córdoba (MACA)

Chort and other activists highlight the horrific conditions animals endure during these long journeys, frequently enough referred to as “death ships.” These conditions include overcrowding, extreme stress, risk of injury, exposure to diseases, and extreme temperatures. Tragically, many animals perish en route, and those who fall ill are frequently enough discarded overboard. The activist also points out that the crew’s working conditions are equally deplorable.

The Global Market and Ethical Concerns

Despite growing ethical concerns and outright bans in several countries, the export of live animals remains a global market. Sturzenegger points out that many livestock-producing nations engage in this practice, citing Australia, France, and Canada as examples with annual exports exceeding $1 billion each.These exports are often destined for the Middle East, where specific slaughtering methods are practiced.

These methods, such as halal or kosher slaughter, involve cutting the animal’s neck and allowing it to bleed out. Activists like Chort express concern over the lack of openness and control in this trade, alleging a lucrative but poorly regulated market between Latin America and the Middle East.

Beyond Regulation: A Call for Abolition

While the meat industry supports the decree, viewing it as a boost to their business, animal rights advocates argue that regulation is not the answer. Alfonso Bustillo, president of the Association of Farmers of Angus, told The Nation that this measure goes in the direction of freedom that the government is promoting.

Chort advocates for an antispeciesist perspective, arguing that regulating the practice merely sets limits on acceptable suffering rather than eliminating it altogether. She believes that accepting even “improved” conditions on these ships is a justification of abuse, and that animals deserve complete freedom from exploitation. She further contends that the industry uses “animal welfare” as a euphemism to legitimize their business, prioritizing commercial value over genuine well-being.

Economic Concerns: Impact on Local Industries

The opposition to the decree extends beyond animal rights groups. The Argentine refrigeration sector fears a decline in local production and employment as live animal exports reduce demand for their services. the Argentine Agroindustrial Advancement Institute (IDAA) warns that the decree could threaten the jobs of over 60,000 skilled workers in the meat processing industry.

The IDAA also argues that the measure devalues the work of local producers and points out that live animal exports represent a marginal marketing modality. Thay cite Brazil, the leading contry in this area, as exporting only 1-2% of its cattle as live animals.

Activists emphasize that their opposition is rooted in animal welfare, distancing themselves from those who primarily focus on the economic impact on businesses that exploit animals.

environmental Repercussions: A Looming Crisis

The environmental implications of the decree are also raising alarms. Political scientist and environmental activist Flavia Broffoni emphasizes that industrial livestock farming is a major driver of nature loss worldwide. She argues that the decree promotes a destructive food production system that prioritizes agrarian extractivism over national sovereignty.

Broffoni also warns of the biological risks associated with the practice,notably the increased use of antibiotics in industrialized animals to prevent disease during transport. this overuse of antibiotics can lead to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a significant threat to human health. She also highlights the danger of effluents and waste from macro farms and ships contaminating the environment, further contributing to antibiotic resistance.

These are the famous zoonotic jumps and the breeding ground for new pandemics.
Flavia Broffoni, Political scientist and environmental activist

Allegations of Conflicts of Interest

Adding fuel to the fire, allegations have surfaced regarding potential conflicts of interest. According to the digital media Online policy, Invernea, a company with ties to government officials, stands to benefit significantly from the decree.The largest shareholder of Invernea is juan Pazo, the current director of the former AFIP, who previously served in the Secretariat of production. The media outlet further alleges that Minister of Economy Luis Caputo and Central Bank President Santiago Bausili also have connections to the company.

The Road Ahead: Activists Call for Action

With Decree 133/25 yet to be voted on in Congress,activists are urging immediate action. Virginia Chort emphasizes the importance of public awareness campaigns, peaceful protests, legal challenges, and seeking support from legislators to prevent the decree’s approval.

Animal rights advocates are exploring legal avenues to halt the decree’s implementation, underscoring their commitment to defending animals and promoting a more just and respectful society for all living beings.