Animal Welfare Groups Urge Governor Josh Green To Ban Cruel Live Cattle Exports From Hawaii

In a powerful plea for change, Compassion in World Farming (CIWF) and several Hawaii-based animal welfare organizations have submitted a letter to Governor Josh Green, demanding an immediate halt to the export of live cattle and calves from Hawaii to the U.S. mainland.

The urgent request comes alongside the release of a compelling new CIWF investigative video, shedding light on the severe animal welfare issues inherent in this practice.

The letter, co-signed by Animal Rights Hawai’i, Aloha Animal Advocates, Leilani Farm Sanctuary, and Animal Rights Initiative of Waikiki, paints a grim picture of the conditions faced by approximately 30,000 live calves transported annually across the Pacific. These voyages, which can span up to five days or longer, expose the animals to extreme weather conditions, a lack of mandatory veterinary care, and insufficient documentation of injuries and fatalities.

The investigative video, unveiled last week, provides disturbing visual evidence of the harsh realities these calves endure. It reveals the cramped and stressful conditions within the “cowtainers” used for transport, highlighting the serious health and welfare issues that arise during these lengthy journeys.

According to the letter, up to 80 calves, some only a few months old, are packed into these metal containers with barely any room to move, resulting in significant stress and weight loss. The total travel time can extend up to a week, as the animals are first barged between islands before being trucked to their final destinations. Studies cited in the letter indicate that this grueling journey can lead to severe health problems, including pneumonia and heat stress, which often result in premature deaths.

“Every year, tens of thousands of vulnerable calves endure a grueling journey across the Pacific, crammed into tiny containers with no veterinary care, destined for a miserable and short life on a feedlot when they should instead be enjoying Hawaii’s lush grasslands,” said Ben Williamson, U.S. Executive Director of Compassion in World Farming, while emphasizing the cruelty of this practice.

“Many Hawaii residents will be shocked to discover that the state ships out 95% of its cattle, and only consumes 10% of Hawaii beef, which is ironic given how Governor Green has made food self-sufficiency a priority,” continued Williamson. “This is a clear violation of basic animal welfare and must end now.”

“The journey these calves endure is not only cruel but also environmentally unsustainable. The evidence is clear: It’s time for Hawaii to prioritize animal protection and sustainability by banning this inhumane practice,” said Cathy Goeggel, president of Animal Rights Hawaii.

Despite Hawaii exporting about 95% of its calves to the mainland, only around 10% of the beef consumed locally is produced within the state. This disparity not only raises significant animal welfare concerns but also poses efficiency and environmental challenges, undermining efforts to create a sustainable local food system in Hawaii.

The letter urges Governor Green to follow the example of countries like New Zealand, Great Britain, and Australia, which have recently implemented bans on certain live exports. By ending the interstate export of live cattle, Hawaii could make a significant step forward in improving animal welfare and promoting a more sustainable and localized food system.

Compassion in World Farming, along with the other signatories, calls on Governor Green to consider the welfare of the animals and the broader environmental impact of live cattle exports. The newly released investigative video serves as a vital resource for raising awareness about this critical issue.

Together, these organizations hope to see a future where animal welfare and sustainability are prioritized, ensuring a more humane and responsible approach to agriculture in Hawaii.

You can help by signing the petition to ban cruel and dangerous live animal exports, HERE!