GOOD news from over the Ditch: New Zealand has signed into law a ban on live animal exports from next April.
The ban follows the sinking of Gulf Live- stock 1 in September 2020, with the loss of 41 humans and almost 6000 heifers (young cows).
There is no excuse for the Australian Government to lag behind.
The Prime Minister has confirmed plans to phase out sheep exports, but not for three more years, and there is no plan to stop the cattle boats.
This is straightforward abuse.
Animals suffer appalling conditions on these hellish ships, crammed onto open-decked ships, many storeys high, for a gruelling trip across thousands of kilometres in all weather extremes.
Figures from the Department of Agriculture indicate that more than 2.5 million animals have died on live-export ships before reaching their destination, often from starvation – as they don’t recognise the pellets they’re given as food – or disease and heat stress.
The fate of animals who survive the excruciating journey is little better: many are taken to filthy markets, where their throats are slit while they’re still conscious.
Sensitive animals suffering and dying in their thousands should be enough, or do we have to wait until humans die too before the government bans this vile, disgraceful trade?
Mimi Bekhechi, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals campaigns strategist
