Two days left to sign petition for Govt to legislate end date in current term
Further proof that exporting live sheep to the Middle East is inherently inhumane has come to light in shocking footage that aired on the ABC’s 7.30 program last night.
The footage shows Australian sheep suffering due to cruel handling, transport and slaughter methods and is further evidence that neither the Australian government nor the live export industry can stop sheep being sold on, outside of the approved supply chains and experiencing cruel treatment, and that overseas jurisdictions cannot be forced to adopt Australian animal welfare standards.
The Federal Government has committed to phasing out the live sheep export trade, but has not yet legislated an end date. The RSPCA has a petition calling on Government to legislate an end date within this term of Parliament, and within the shortest possible timeframe.
More than 25,000 people have signed the petition so far. With Port Adelaide the second main port (after Fremantle) for the export of live sheep to the Middle East1, RSPCA South Australia is urging South Australians to sign the petition in the two remaining days that it is open. (Closes 11pm Thurs 31 Aug)
“The Government is on the right track towards making an evidence-based decision to end live sheep export,” said RSPCA SA Animal Welfare Advocate Dr Rebekah Eyers.
“But if it’s not legislated in the current term of parliament, there’s still a risk that this important reform won’t go ahead.
“Australians have absolutely had enough of these horrific scenes – they never get any easier to watch.
“This awful chapter of Australian sheep enduring unimaginable suffering – both at sea and on arrival in countries with unacceptable animal treatment practises – has run for decades.
“We urge Australians to be part of history by signing this petition, that asks Parliament to lock the phase out into legislation and ensure the timeframe is as short as possible.”
“As long as this trade continues, Australians can expect to see more and more scenes like those aired on the ABC last night.”
NOTE: Once you’ve completed the required fields, make sure you locate the ‘confirm your signature’ email that will be emailed to you. If you don’t verify your email, your vote WILL NOT be counted.
Image credit: Animals Australia
