Compassion in World Farming, along with several Hawaii-based animal organizations, has submitted a letter to Gov. Josh Green, urging an immediate ban on the export of live cattle and calves from Hawaii to the U.S. mainland. This action coincides with the release of a new CIWF investigation video highlighting the critical welfare issues associated with this practice.

In the letter, the groups— Animal Rights Hawai’i, Aloha Animal Advocates, Leilani Farm Sanctuary, and Animal Rights Initiative (based in Waikiki)—emphasize the harrowing conditions faced by approximately 30,000 live calves transported annually across the Pacific. These journeys, which can span approximately five days or longer, subject the animals to extreme weather conditions, lack of compulsory veterinary care, and inadequate documentation of injuries and fatalities. 

The investigation video, released today, provides compelling visual evidence of the distressing reality these calves endure. Footage shows the cramped conditions inside “cowtainers,” the stress and health issues faced by the animals during transportation, and the overall impact on their welfare. 

The letter details how up to 80 calves, some only months old, are packed into these modified metal containers with minimal space, enduring significant stress and weight loss. Total travel time can be up to a week given the animals are barged between islands and then trucked to their final destinations. Studies have shown that the journey can result in severe health issues, including pneumonia and heat-related stress, leading to premature death. 

Ben Williamson, U.S. executive director of Compassion in World Farming says: “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. 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 Gov. Green has made food self-sufficiency a priority. This is a clear violation of basic animal welfare and must end now.” 

Cathy Goeggel, president of Animal Rights Hawai’i says: “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.”

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

The letter calls on Gov. Green to follow the lead of countries like New Zealand, Great Britain, and Australia, which have recently enacted bans on certain live exports. By ending the interstate export of live cattle, Hawaii can take a significant step towards enhancing animal welfare and promoting a more sustainable and localized food system. 

Compassion in World Farming and the undersigned organizations urge Gov. Green to consider the welfare of the animals and the broader environmental impact of live cattle exports. The new investigation video can be viewed on Compassion in World Farming’s website at ciwf.com/banliveexports and serves as a crucial tool in raising awareness about this issue. 

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For more information, please contact Ben Williamson at ben.williamson@ciwf.org or call 678-902-2493. Interviews are available.

About Compassion in World Farming:

• Compassion in World Farming was founded in 1967 by a British dairy farmer who became horrified at the development of intensive factory farming. Today Compassion is a global movement dedicated to ending factory farming and achieving humane and sustainable food. With headquarters in the U.K., it has offices across Europe, the U.S., China and South Africa. Our established international Food Business program aims to achieve a holistic approach to sustainable food production by driving transformational change for farmed animals, reducing our reliance on animal-sourced foods, and moving the food industry towards more regenerative, nature-positive farming.
• Animal Rights Hawai'i was founded in 1977, by a group of people who believed that humane societies were limited in their scope to care only for companion animals. The 50 plus years since were dedicated to fighting a wide variety of abuses to animals such as fur, vivisection, factory farming, circuses, marine mammal captivity, cosmetic testing, cruelty perpetrated by the U.S. government, slaughter and 4-H auctions; we have monitored the University of Hawai'i animal laboratories and its relationship, as a land grant school, with the local livestock industry. We use education, legislation, and sometimes litigation to achieve a more compassionate world. We are an all volunteer NGO and registered with the IRS as 501(c)(3).
• Aloha Animal Advocates mission is to end the euthanasia of healthy and treatable shelter animals on Hawai`i island through public education and promoting sound public policy. The group also advocates for all animals in Hawai`i on land and in the ocean against cruelty, abuse, neglect whether the animals are wildlife, pets or commercial farm animals
• Leilani Farm Sanctuary is an island paradise for rescued animals where compassion for all living beings reigns. Located on eight lush acres of pure love, this non-profit sanctuary on Maui saves animals destined for slaughter or orphaned after hunters took their mothers and educates the community on the humane treatment of animals. Tour the farm and meet the Leilani Farm Sanctuary ambassadors, and consider sponsoring one or more of the animals who touch your heart and help us continue our mission of providing hope and education, one life at a time.
• Animal Rights Initiative (ARI) is a pioneering 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to conserving our natural biodiversity and ending animal suffering through a multifaceted approach. The ARI promise is to combine government, community and corporate outreach to achieve our goals of legislative protections and corporate policy changes. Our focus is on animals in captivity on factory farms and breeding mills. Based in the United States with chapters in Hawaii and Washington, we believe it is necessary to reduce demand and prohibit production simultaneously because both systems rely on each other to exist.