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WSPA is calling on the Australian Government to phase out the inherently cruel live animal export trade and advocates for an expansion of the more humane chilled and frozen meat trade, to fill meat demands. Ending live exports will protect Australian animals and promote Australian jobs.

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Fact

The JOURNEY is cruel

Australia exports around 4,000,000 sheep to the Middle East annually, and just under 1,000,000 cattle predominantly to Indonesia. The trip to the Middle East can take up to 35 days, with three sheep confined to one square metre throughout the entire journey.

DEATHS
ON BOARD

Around 40,000 sheep die on board annually, nearly half from starvation. The rest are often due to physical trauma, and diseases like Salmonellosis, exacerbated by stress and overcrowding. Cattle deaths increased by twenty percent in 2010.

INHUMANE
SLAUGHTER

Upon arrival overseas, Australian animals are no longer under our protection. Investigations have revealed Australian sheep being thrown, shoved into car boots and lying across the bodies of other dying sheep on roadsides. Cattle are also subjected to high levels cruelty, and during slaughter, their throats are often cut while fully conscious.

JOBS
LOST

Over 1,000 meat workers lost their jobs in 2010. The Meat Workers Union claims this was mainly due to livestock shortages, which were exacerbated by the live export trade and is calling for a phase out of the trade by 2016.

ECONOMIC
IMPACT

An economic analysis commissioned in 2009 revealed that a sheep processed in Australia is worth 20% more to our economy than one processed overseas. In addition, research shows live export could be costing Australia around $1.5 billion in lost GDP and around $270 million in household income.

PUBLIC
SUPPORT

A national opinion poll released in 2010 showed almost 80% of Australians think live sheep exports are cruel and should end. 85,000 people have now joined the Humane Chain, and a number of representatives from across the political spectrum are against the trade.

Brad Pettitt, Mayor of Fremantle, WA
opposes live animal export

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Polls show 79% of Australians think live sheep export is cruel

 

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Why hasn't the government put a stop to live exports yet? It's partly because there are a few myths about this trade. Click here to bust the myths....

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