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Live export cruelty debate reaches South Australia

Adelaide is the latest city to play host to a series of public forums highlighting why Australia live export of sheep to the Middle East is cruel and should be replaced by a trade in chilled and frozen meat.

The WSPA-led Handle with Care campaign’s third forum was held recently in conjunction with RSPCA South Australia.  A full house heard first-hand about the serious animal welfare consequences of Australia’s live export trade, with audience members including representatives from the farming community, animal welfarists, industry and the local Member of State Parliament Dr Duncan McFetridge MP.

The audience were presented with information on Australia’s live export trade and video evidence of the treatment of Australian animals in importing Middle East countries.  A healthy and robust discussion followed the presentation with all sides having an opportunity to air their concerns and opinions.  There was general consensus that chilled meat is the way of the future and that live exports will eventually have to end.

“Many people called on Dr McFetridge to highlight the steps the Government will take to phase out live exports,” said Handle with Care spokesperson and WSPA Programs manager Emily Reeves. “Dr McFetridge agreed that the treatment of Australian animals seen in the video footage could not be condoned.”

Dr McFetridge went on to state that “we (the Government) are trying to ban this by phasing it out – that’s policy.”

Similar strong statements against live export were aired by farmer Vivien Clark-Ferraino from Rosebank South Australia, “As a sheep farmer I know full well how sheep suffer when placed under stress whether it be from improper handling and transportation or ignorant farming and lack of awareness of the animal as a sentient being. Apart from the animal welfare issues during sea transportation, any animal subjected to the perils and stress of a long sea voyage will not present as good meat anyway. We need to look at our meat marketing system. The farmer is certainly not making the money, it’s the middlemen.’’

And from Queensland forum in July, Allen Hunter from Figtree Pocket, said “I thought the forum was an excellent idea to raise awareness of this issue. It was very well conducted, although harrowing to be made aware of what is happening. Regarding the actuality of live export for slaughter, I was appaled to see the treatment these animals receive, and this is going on everyday. The suffering needlessly inflicted on them is heartbreaking. I want it to stop. Now!”

Those unable to attend forums but would like to participate can do so via upcoming online forums. A lively online forum with WSPA Campaigns Manager Emily Reeves was held last week, go to  http://www.tangler.com/forum/stop-live-export/topic/50387 for the full transcript.

The Handle With Care team will let you know about the next online action.