There are a number of myths helping to keep this industry afloat. Read on to find out why there's no excuse for animals like this sheep to continue suffering live exports.
With so many compelling reasons to end live exports why hasn't the government put an end to the trade yet? There are some myths and misinformation out there. To help you understand some of the arguments we've busted some of these live export myths below.
The Halal Myth
Middle Eastern countries won't accept chilled meat products. They insist on importing animals live so they can slaughter them according to Halal guidelines.
Over 70% of Australian abattoirs are now Halal accredited. Australia has a vibrant chilled meat trade. The sheep trade to the Middle East alone, was worth an additional $110 million to the Australian Economy than the live trade in 2010. In the Middle East consumers do accept chilled meat products from Australia and actually demand more than we currently supply.
The Refrigeration Myth
There is a lack of refrigeration in Middle East importing countries
Australia predominantly exports to wealthy countries in the Gulf, who import a huge amount of refrigerated goods, not just meat. Suggestions that these countries lack such basic appliances are not only misguided, they're culturally insensitive.
The Welfare Improvements Myth
Animal welfare is significantly improving thanks to industry involvement
Despite over 30 years of industry involvement, investigations by animal protection groups prove that Australian animals continue to endure immense cruelty. Last year WSPA launched the findings of an investigation carried out in the Middle East. The investigation included scenes of animals suffering from heat stress, appearing weak and lame and sadly animals being killed en masse whilst fully conscious.
The Job Loss Myth
Ending live export will cause thousands of Australians to lose their jobs and the economy to suffer
The majority of the people whose employment involves the live export trade are farmers, stock hands, truck drivers and shearers. The chilled meat trade will clearly support most of these jobs as we phase out live exports. In fact even more jobs will be created as we'll need more people to process the animals and meat products here in Australia.
Annette is a meat worker from Qld
who has had her shifts cut back and seen colleagues
lose jobs due to live stock shortages exacerbated
by live exports.
The exporters say it's humane.
Does this look humane to you?
Have you learned the facts yet?
Click here for a one page rundown.
