2018-04-20
The live animal export trade is a barbaric practice that must end despite Liberal National Government infighting over the issue, Australian Greens trade spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said.
“This morning Agriculture Minister David Littleproud criticised Sussan Ley of being ‘emotional’ in her response to live exports – I bet he wouldn’t have said that if she were a Liberal man,” Senator Hanson-Young said.
“Nonetheless, this is an emotional issue. Those of us who saw the latest shocking footage of dehydrated and dying sheep on a ship on route to the Middle East are horrified and angry at the treatment of these animals, and so we should be. We have every right to feel emotional about this blatant cruelty.
“Reports that 61,000 sheep have died painful deaths on voyages to the Middle East in the past five years will send shockwaves around the nation. We must stand together to ensure this does not continue.
Senator Hanson-Young will today address the End Live Export rally at the Port Adelaide docks, as sheep are loaded onto the Bader III, headed to the Middle East.
“South Australians have a long history of standing up against the cruel live animal trade and I’m proud to stand with them again as we continue to fight for an end to this cruel practice.”