Live sheep export

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There are alternatives to the cruelty 22,000 sheep had to endure last week

WSPA has major concerns for the 22,000 Australian sheep that were offloaded from the live export vessel, the Ocean Drover, in Pakistan last week.  The sheep were re-directed to Pakistan after they were rejected by Bahrain.  They spent two additional weeks at sea, whilst the exporters scrambled for a place to offload them. Last week, we asked the Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) to involve the Australian High Commission in Pakistan as independent oversight of the handling … Continued

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Distressing news for Australian sheep – stranded at sea

Yesterday brought the distressing news that 22,000 Australian sheep are stuck on board a live export vessel, just off the coast of Bahrain. The sheep have now been on board for 33 days, which is simply unacceptable. It is almost double the time of a normal journey. We hold grave concerns for the sheep on board the Ocean Drover. They have been rejected from entering Bahrain because they have the contagious viral disease, scabby mouth. The animals are also very … Continued

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The Hon. Craig Emerson believes in free trade yet subsides and tariffs still exist exacerbating the live export issue

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

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Minister flies out to shore up new live export rules

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

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Stop Live Exports’ volunteers meet Julia Gillard

Last week, Prime Minister Julia Gillard attended a Community Cabinet meeting at South Fremantle High School. Given Fremantle’s role in live sheep exports, a number of community members attended to show their support for ending the cruel trade. WSPA Member Society Stop Live Exports and their committed volunteers were present, including the always photogenic Levy the Lamb.Also spotted at the event was the very fashionable Michelle, sporting a Humane Chain t-shirt, posing next to Ms Gillard and Fremantle MP (and … Continued

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Government debates ‘risky’ live animal trade as four abattoirs collapse

Growing opposition to the live export trade has led to parliamentary discussion of its impact not just on animal welfare, but also our meat processing industry. On Monday Federal Member for Page, Janelle Saffin introduced aprivate members motion, calling for a transition away from live exports towards a chilled meat trade. MPs who opposed Ms Saffin’s motion used the common argument that the industry is significantly improving animal welfare. WSPA and other animal welfare groups however reject this argument. Undercover … Continued

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Labor Dispute on Live Export Vessel Raises Questions

According to media reports, Fremantle ports recently received labor complaints from workers aboard two live export ships, and the International Transport Workers Federation is considering legal action. The workers have raised concerns over wages – they are owed $400,000 in back pay and are paid only $240 per month – and human rights concerns. The workers have been denied shore leave which keeps them from visiting family, doctors, and their union representatives. Hearing about the conditions these workers (predominantly from … Continued

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Sheep found dying on WA roads as more Australians speak out against live exports

With only two full-time inspectors policing WA’s livestock industry, it is unsurprising to see gruesome sights such as this: Truck drivers transporting the sheep are leaving injured ones to die along the side of the road at the Western Australia/South Australia border. Perth Now recently published an article on the issue reporting that the RSPCA had to set up an inspection point at the border after receiving so many reports of animal mistreatment. This photo comes from Dawn Lowe of … Continued

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730 Report Exposes National Disgrace Of Live Sheep Export

As many of WSPA’s Humane Chain blog readers would know, last night’s 7.30 report aired shocking footage of Australian sheep exported to the Middle East for the annual Eid festival. The footage, taken by welfare group Animals Australia, catalogues a string of inhumane treatment ranging from sheep being dragged across gravel, animals being hauled around by their skin, completely inhumane and prolonged slaughter and sheep packed three deep in stifling temperatures in closed car boots. The footage captures some of … Continued

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800,000 Australian animals slaughtered on foreign soil

We’re generally a positive bunch at WSPA, however this week’s events have cast a sombre shadow that’s difficult to ignore. Right now, thousands of Australian animals are being slaughtered in countries with little or unenforced animal welfare legislation as the Festival of Sacrifice begins in the Middle East. It’s been estimated that close to 800,000 sheep have been sent to the region for Eid al Adha. An influx of such high numbers unfortunately leading to exacerbated cruelty. Many will be … Continued