Benefits of ending live export

For animals

Tens of thousands of animals will be saved from death during the export journey
Despite efforts made by both the Australian Government and the live export industry to regulate the export process, tens of thousands of animals die every year while being exported. From the time they leave the farm gate to arriving at their destination, animals can experience:

• cramped transport conditions
• stress and heat-exhaustion
• the introduction of a food source that is foreign to them and which many don’t recognise
• the onset of diseases and conditions including Salmonellosis and pink eye. 

For every animal that dies, many more suffer but survive.

Those that survive the journey arrive on foreign soil where they are no longer under Australian protection. Video evidence collected in the Middle East in late 2007 shows the most appalling handling and slaughter including sheep being trussed and dragged by a limb, tied onto roof racks or placed in car boots in high temperatures.

As long as live exports continue, animal suffering will continue.

Slaughtering animals in Australia ensures it is done humanely
Animals slaughtered in accordance with Halal principles in Australia are protected by Australian legislation and are ensured a rapid death without unnecessary suffering. Islamic leaders in Australia have approved the use of stunning prior to slaughter so the animal is rendered instantly unconscious before death occurs. This is not the case for Australian animals slaughtered overseas.

Footage taken over many years in the Middle East shows animals roughly handled before having their throats cut in full view of other animals awaiting the same fate.

For Australia

Ending live exports offers opportunities to Australian industry
The live export trade has increased competition among Australian meat processors, thereby reducing margins for Australian processors. By ending live exports and increasing supply to domestic meat processors, processing costs are lowered and Australian meat becomes more competitive on the international market.

In some importing countries meat processed from Australian animals directly competes with Australian export meat.

Marketing efforts must be focused on further increasing the already expanding trade in chilled and frozen meat. The Australian Government should assist industry in expanding domestic processing capacity.

Australia’s reputation
Australia generally enjoys a good reputation for animal welfare and this is demonstrated through the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy and its active role in the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). However, this is not reflected in Australia’s position as the world’s largest exporter of animals for slaughter, the world leader in a cruel trade. Australia has the opportunity to set an international example by leading change and ending live exports, bringing it in line with its otherwise good reputation for animal welfare.