Long journeys to the slaughterhouse could be banned as part of Tory proposals to protect animal welfare post-Brexit.
The Conservatives are set to consult on recommendations that animals should be sent to the closest available abattoir, a move which would effectively ban the majority of live exports.
The Tories claim that previous attempts to limit the trade have been quashed by EU single market rules.
The party are also considering a move to ban all trophy hunting imports under plans to be proposed at the party conference starting in Manchester on Sunday.
Environment Secretary Theresa Villiers said: “We have a long tradition of protecting animals in this country, often many years before others follow. Leaving the EU allows us to take even bigger steps forward on this.
“The measures we are announcing today will protect our animals in our homes, in agriculture, and in the wild.
“I have campaigned for an end to live exports and what has been announced today will choke off this trade.”
Other measures out for consultation include compulsory microchipping for cats, and an outright ban on keeping primates as pets.