Recently Australia's live export industry again revealed its dark heart by lauding the first shipment of Australian cattle to Egypt in four years. One month later they were in damage control admitting that 263 cattle had died enroute to Egypt in one of their flagship vessels the Ocean Shearer. Whilst the industry is not stating what killed the cattle, various excuses such as delays caused by an injured crewmember and piracy concerns have been put forward. Once again it has taken animals to suffer and die to prove that the inherent and unacceptable risks that accompany every live export vessel when it takes to sea can never be overcome...
The animals who survived disembarked in a country that has a horrendous track record of animal cruelty. The slashing of tendons and stabbing of eyes to disable cattle still routinely occurs in Egypt. Whilst Australian cattle can now only be killed in one accredited abattoir in Egypt they still face having their throats cut whilst fully conscious. If slashing the tendons of cattle is unacceptable in the eyes of the Australian government -- the slashing of the throat of terrified conscious cattle should be equally so.
Your help is needed to pressure Federal Members of Parliament to support a ban on the cruel live export trade, and to let them know that caring Australians will not vote for a political party that supports animal cruelty.
We, the undersigned, express fierce opposition to the live animal export trade to the Middle East.
Australian sheep and cattle have been born into Australian care under the protection of Australian laws. It is an appalling abandonment of our ethical responsibilities to then export these animals to countries where there are no laws to protect them and where they will be treated in a way that would be illegal in Australia.
Australia's chilled meat exports to the Middle East in 2009 were a more profitable export industry than live export to the region -- revealing that the Middle East will accept chilled meat. There is no excuse for live animal export -- and no excuse for any political party who deems this cruel industry worthy of their support.
Please lobby your party to change its policy to ending live export. I will not vote for a political party that supports animal cruelty.
Thank-you for your time.
