2016-10-06
Greens spokesperson for Animals Lynn MacLaren MLC has renewed her call for a ban on live exports, to mark this year’s World Animal Day.
Ms MacLaren pointed to a mountain of evidence that inhumane treatment of Australian sheep and cattle overseas continues, despite Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) regulations designed to stamp out cruelty and regular inspections carried out by exporter representatives.
“Just last month, for example, during Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice), extensive breaches of Australian export regulations were recorded across the Middle East as Australian sheep were diverted from the approved supply chain for backyard slaughter,” Ms MacLaren said.
“The latest Regulatory Performance Report, published by the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources, lists ESCAS non-compliance involving Australian sheep in Oman, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
“The latest breach reports come just four months after workers in Vietnamese abattoirs were filmed bludgeoning Australian cattle to death in footage that rightly shocked the nation.
“Instances of the torture of Australian animals overseas have been well documented and reported to the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources over and over again – and still they not only allow live exports to continue, but also continue to actively seek out new markets.
“In June, the first 2,600 of an expected 150,000 cattle were shipped to Cambodia.
“Enough is enough. We must prevent the torture of Australian animals by putting a stop to live exports permanently, replacing it with other more secure export markets, such as meat exports.”
Ms MacLaren encouraged those who opposed live exports to come along to the Stop Live Exports’ Sixth Annual Human Chain event on Sunday.
WHEN: Sunday 9 October 2016, 10.45am until midday
WHERE: Stirling Traffic Bridge, Cnr Stirling Highway and Canning Highway, East Fremantle
For more information, visit http://www.stopliveexports.org/
Related campaign: Transition from live exportsRelated portfolios: Animals