We are really pleased that a number of Federal and State MP’s and Senators have taken time out of their busy schedule’s to visit their local Body Shop to find out more about the WSPA live export campaign. One aim of this partnership is to put serious pressure on the government to make positive changes for animals and move towards the alternatives to live export and it seems the message is starting to get through! The Body Shop staff spoke … Continued
On the 2nd June, Minister for Trade and Competitiveness, the Hon. Craig Emerson published an opinion piece about being kind to animals in The Australian online (need a log in to the Australian to read). WSPA applauds Mr Emerson’s sentiments in this article, he is right; community views on this issue are changing and animal welfare is rightly so, becoming an important consideration for individuals and governments alike. One of the cruellest practices in which Australia is involved, is live … Continued
You may have heard the upsetting news that two live animal exporters were recently found to breach 37 animal welfare rules. The exporters; North Australian Cattle Company Pty Ltd and International Livestock Export Pty Ltd were using approved supply chains, however, an investigation into their Indonesian abattoirs found that they were not meeting the set regulations. This highlights that the current system in place is not effective and not enough is being done by the Government to stop animal cruelty. … Continued
The World Society for the Protection of Animals commends the Western Australian Labor Party on its move to improve animal welfare, following the launch of a discussion paper by leader Mark McGowan. In the paper, Strengthening Animal Welfare in Western Australia (link opens a PDF), a key recommendation is to work with overseas trade offices to promote chilled meat products and create a commercial alternative to live exports. This is a positive development in placing animal welfare on the political … Continued
The following is a speech made by Mr Steve Georganas, Member for Hindmarsh, South Australia to Parliament yesterday, Wednesday, 14 March 2012 On behalf of many constituents in my electorate I rise to convey to the House their overwhelming desire for an immediate end to live animal exports. Many constituents have contacted me in the last few weeks since the dreadful scenes we saw on the ABC. I have received hundreds of emails from people across my electorate who are … Continued
WSPA is extremely concerned about the cruelty footage from last night’s Lateline, as supplied by Animals Australia. The Federal Government’s new supply chain process and sanctions are now being tested for the first time. There is a high level of public focus and interest. Assuming that the animals depicted last night were indeed sourced recently from Australia, WSPA hopes that firm sanctions against a proven offender reinforce the Government’s stated determination to stamp out animal cruelty not just in Indonesia, … Continued
This weekend, a by-election is being held in Port Adelaide for the seat of South Australian Treasurer. Colin Thomas (pictured below) is running for this seat as an Independent candidate on a “Ban Live Export” platform. WSPA’s Campaign Officer Sharon Baldwin recently discussed with Mr Thomas about his campaign and why live animal export is such an important issue to voters. WSPA: Can you tell us a little more about your background? COLIN THOMAS: As a former Greens member, I … Continued
As reported in today’s article from Sydney Morning Herald, Minister for Agriculture, Joe Ludwig, is traveling this week to the Middle East to discuss animal welfare standards with regards to live exports. The trip comes following the Minister’s imposed deadline of 1 March to enact new animal welfare guidelines and “supply chain assurances.” Live export companies have been crying out against these new guidelines, predicting that the new framework will result in decreased shipments for 2012. A recent article in … Continued
The future direction of the Australian meat processing and live export industries will be debated at the Labor Party conference this weekend, with delegates considering a policy amendment to support a transition from the live export trade into an expanded chilled, frozen and processed meat trade. The amendment will ask delegates to support a four-year transition from live export to chilled meat exports, while supporting the infrastructure requirements necessary for a strengthened Australian meat processing industry and promotion of Australian … Continued
Since our Move Forward initiative began in October, supporters from all over the country have helped make significant progress towards our aim of changing Labor’s policy on live exports. With volunteer Captains in over 100 electorates, together we’ve been able to achieve: Media coverage across the country where volunteer captains have worked with their local communities to demonstrate their opposition to live animal export An increase in awareness amongst Labor representatives of the benefits of transitioning away from live exports … Continued
