This month, the Australian Gillard government put a six-month ban on the live export of cattle to Indonesia, after public outcry and animal support groups lobbied against this practice of animal cruelty. Indonesia is stating that Australia is being discriminatory by suspending trade of live cattle.
Ban on Live Exports
Millions of Australian live animals including sheep, goats and cattle are sent to South East Asia and the Middle East. Many don’t survive the journey, but those that do are handled and slaughtered in what the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) call ‘appalling’ ways. Indonesia has been the main destination for Australian cattle, and account for about a fifth of Indonesia's rising beef consumption.
Animals Australia have joined forces with the RSPCA and have conducted investigations into the live export trade in the Middle East and Indonesia and discovered the harsh treatment of livestock at their abattoirs. There is also concern about what message Australia is sending if they allow this brutal treatment of these animals.
Many of the countries Australia exports to don’t have the same animal protection laws as Australia. Indonesia’s complaint that the ban is discriminatory is due to the fact that there are other countries that export from Australia that face the same issues on animal welfare (Australian cattle ban angers Indonesia). However, Indonesian’s agriculture minister, Suswono, has stated that Indonesia has enough beef to last until September and that the Indonesian cattle farmers are enjoying the lack of competition.
Whether Indonesia is taking the ban seriously or not, they will not be the only ones this ban affects. The Australian farmers and exporters will also suffer. However, the Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig stated today (27th June), that those affected by the temporary ban, which began on June 7th, could apply for financial assistance (Compensation to help export-reliant transporters).
Bans Aim to Prevent Animal Cruelty
While the ban obviously affects many people, the goal is to prevent animal cruelty in the way that livestock is treated before and during slaughter. Footage shows cattle being hit, kicked, having their eyes poked and even their tails twisted and broken by some workers. Of the 50 animal slaughterers observed, all breached international welfare guidelines; most animals suffered being hit, kicked or poked, cattle had an average of 11 cuts to the throat and half of them remained conscious for up to a minute and a half after their throat was cut.
This is clearly not a humane way to treat animals and it is no wonder that many people feel that ‘live’ exports should be stopped altogether. Only time will tell if this ban will become permanent or make a difference and not end up like the live export ban of cattle to Egypt that lasted 2 years before it resumed exports again in 2008.
The RSPCA has links to a petition/letter that will be emailed both to Prime Minister Julia Gillard and the Minister for Agriculture, Senator Joe Ludwig.
Roberta Goli - Roberta has a Bachelor of Science Degree (Zoology), has worked with animals for over 10 years and enjoys writing short stories and flash ...
