Bill to Phase Out Live Sheep Exports Introduced to Parliament
Peak animal welfare group, the Australian Alliance for Animals, has welcomed the introduction of a new bill to formally legislate the phase out live sheep exports in Australia.
If passed, the bill, which has been sponsored by Greens Senator Mehreen Faruqi, would end the suffering and harm endured by tens of thousands of animals every year.
Alliance spokesperson, Dr Jed Goodfellow, described the transition away from live sheep exports as an opportunity to be embraced by all parties.
“The phase out of live sheep exports makes sense from every angle.
“It would strengthen rural economies through increased investment and value-adding in local supply chains via the chilled meat export trade, create new jobs and provide producers with a profitable and secure income stream.
“The live sheep trade has been in long-term structural decline for decades with many producers moving away from the trade towards more ethical and sustainable markets.
“Transitioning to the chilled and frozen lamb and mutton trade will spare thousands of Australian sheep from being forced to endure the arduous conditions of a long sea journey, and the fear and pain of being slaughtered without stunning in the Middle East,” Dr Goodfellow said.
While the Federal Labor Government made a commitment to end live sheep exports at the 2022 federal election, it is yet to publicly release a transition plan that includes clear legislative timelines.
Alliance spokesperson, Dr Jed Goodfellow, said any further delays to announcing the phase-out date will put the welfare of tens of thousands of animals at risk.
“We only have to look at what just happened with the 15,000 sheep on the MV Bahijah to be reminded of the inherent risks of the live sheep trade. Stranded onboard for 40 days due to conflict in the Red Sea, at times enduring heat wave conditions. The risk of further suffering and death will be even greater if they are forced back onto the ship for a further month of stress and fatigue.
“The time for action is now. The transition process is already underway and what we’re asking from the Albanese Government is for it to formalise the phase out in legislation.
“Australians overwhelmingly support the Federal Government’s policy to phase out live sheep exports by sea (78%, McCrindle, 2022).
“There’s no excuse for the Federal Government to delay legislating the phase-out date any longer,” Dr Goodfellow said.
NOTES FOR MEDIA
Media contact: Bron Matherson, 0438 844 765
Dr Goodfellow is available for interviews:
Dr Jed Goodfellow leads the Alliance’s law and policy reform agenda. He has over 20 years’ experience in animal welfare law, policy and advocacy. He completed his PhD in animal welfare regulation in 2015.
About the Australian Alliance for Animals
The Australian Alliance for Animals is a national charity leading a strategic alliance of Australia’s key animal protection organisations with a combined supporter base of over 2 million people. Core members include Animals Australia, Humane Society International Australia, World Animal Protection Australia, Compassion in World Farming, FOUR PAWS Australia, and Voiceless, the animal protection institute. Website: www.allianceforanimals.org.au
Photo credit: ABC News