Special Message from RSPCA Australia President Lynne Bradshaw
RSPCA Australia has joined a global coalition of animal welfare organisations to demand an end to the long distance transport of animals for slaughter. In Australia, the Coalition’s main focus will be on ending the live export of sheep to the Middle East.
The Handle with Care campaign is a world-first alliance to send a clear message to industry and government that this inhumane and unnecessary trade will no longer be tolerated.The RSPCA has long argued that the export of live sheep, goats and cattle for slaughter is inhumane. Animals exported from Australia face a journey of up to 35 days from the farm-gate to their overseas destination. On the way they endure stress, heat exhaustion and extreme temperatures. Many suffer from disease and, every year, tens of thousands die along the way. Those that do survive are slaughtered in the most horrific way. Quite frankly, proponents of the industry have had long enough to address these serious issues and now it’s time for action. That’s why the RSPCA has joined forces with organisations including the World Society for Protection of Animals, Compassion in World Farming and Animals Australia in an unprecedented alliance to bring international attention to the trade.The campaign launch in Sydney was preceded by the release of a global report – Beyond Cruelty. Beyond Reason. Long Distance Transport and Welfare of Farm Animals (2008) – identifying Australia as a world leader in the cruel live export of animals for slaughter.This is no badge of honour. In fact, the findings in this report paint a very different picture to the one fashioned by the live export industry and the Rudd Government.As one of the world’s largest exporters in live animals for slaughter, the global spotlight is now on Australia to bring this cruel and unnecessary trade to an end.
Despite industry protestations, the trade is unnecessary. Australia already successfully exports chilled and frozen meat all over the world and has Halal-certified export abattoirs supplying Halal meat to the Middle East. There is tremendous opportunity for growth in this trade.
There is no need to export live animals for slaughter – as the Report states it is beyond cruelty and beyond reason. The Handle with Care Coalition has launched a call for action and is asking all Australians to register their opposition to live exports by visiting http://www.handlewithcare.tv/au.
Your support is greatly appreciated.
Mrs Lynne Bradshaw
President
RSPCA Australia
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