Sheep suffer horrendously for the live export trade. They spend days or even weeks, travelling on the open seas, suffering confinement with thousands of fellow sheep, some in darkness below deck, the waste building up around them. If they survive the stressful journey, they are cruelly slaughtered.
Australia must end our role in the cruel live export trade.
The Albanese Government has taken an encouraging step in the right direction, by committing to end the live exports of sheep from Australia. Yet the small live sheep export trade is fighting to reverse this policy decision to keep the cruel sheep trade open, despite overwhelming public support for a ban and continued evidence of horrific animal suffering.
Tell the Albanese Government you support this policy decision and expect phase out legislation to be introduced before the end of the first term of government, and you will vote to support future measures that place animal welfare as a priority for Australians.
Dear Prime Minister The Hon Anthony Albanese MP and Agriculture Minister The Hon Murray Watt MP,
Today I contact you to thank you for committing to end the live export of sheep. This decision not only reflects the opinion of the vast majority of Australians, but also aligns with community expectations of what Australians believe animal welfare should look like, while also responding to obvious global market trends and the declining relevance of the Australian live sheep trade.
Australia’s trade with foreign countries must shift from live animals to a trade in meat and carcasses and genetic material only.
While the live export industry is attempting to make this a regional-only issue, the cruelty of live sheep exports reflects poorly on all Australians and therefore, all Australians deserve to have their voice heard.
I await the outcome of the expert panel to recommend the details for the phase out, and I expect legislation to be introduced before the end of the first term of government. This will give confidence to those who work in the live sheep trade to plan for the end of the live sheep trade, but more so, it will give the Australian community renewed confidence in our reputational standing on the global stage.
Thank you for supporting animal welfare measures that will bring Australia in line with global community standards. This is a decision that is supported by the Australian community and your constituents.
CRUELTY IN LIVE EXPORTS
As recent as May 2023, new evidence revealed major sheep welfare breaches in importing countries, with Australian exported sheep transported in car boots and sold for home slaughter.
This policy decision by the Albanese government aligns with community expectations of what Australians believe animal welfare should look like, while also responding to obvious global market trends and the declining relevance of the Australian live sheep trade.
The live sheep export industry lost its social licence a long time ago, along with the faith of the Australian community, but it has now also lost its economic impact and its viability.
If you believe it is time for Australia to join other nations in transitioning away from the live sheep trade, join us in a show of support.
Image credit © Jo-Anne McArthur | We Animals Media | Animals Australia