Press Release
October 12, 2010
Politicians, Industry And Welfare Groups Unite In Call For
End To Live Animal Export
Representatives from across the political, meat processing industry and animal welfare
spectrum united today to call for an end to live sheep export at a press conference in major live
sheep export town, Fremantle, WA.
Melissa Parke, Federal member for Fremantle said, “Ethical considerations aside, the live sheep
export trade is simply bad business. An independent economic report has revealed that a
sheep processed locally is worth 20 percent more to the economy than one exported live –
it’s
high time we put a realistic plan in place to support rural economic growth.”
“If we carefully phase out the live export trade in a way that maintains sheep producer revenue
and supports our local processing industry the economy as a whole will ultimately benefit, as will
our reputation as a progressive nation.”
Jessica Borg, Campaign Manager for the World Society for the Protection of Animals said, “The
Australian Government is currently supporting an industry where around 40,000 sheep die in
ships en route to the Middle East every year.”
“We are still knowingly sending our sheep to be slaughtered inhumanely, in countries that don’t
come close to meeting Australian and international standards of welfare.
“A new Galaxy opinion poll has revealed that an overwhelming 79% of Australians believe live
sheep exports are cruel, while 86% agree that the Government should phase out live sheep
exports if there’s an alternative that saves Australian jobs,” she continued.
Roger Fletcher, one of Australia’s largest sheep meat processors and exporters said, “Meat
processing is the main employer in country regions, after mining, and we want to be here for the
long haul. The industry has invested in infrastructure (abattoirs) and in people. Once either of
these is gone, it is very difficult to bring them back. A current example is the experience farmers
in Northern Australia are having as a result of there being no processing facilities left.”
“It’s devastating when vulnerable rural communities suffer industry closure and job losses due to
avoidable stock shortages, caused by the live export trade and droughts. I believe it’s in all our
best interests to rebuild rural meat processing infrastructure to the point where it can make a
sustainable and bigger long-term contribution to a healthy rural economy,” he continued.
WSPA Campaign Manager Jessica Borg said, “Clearly the majority of Australians are opposed
protect Australian animals
and promote Australian jobs by phasing out this cruel and
unnecessary trade.”
-ends-
For more information, access to footage and imagery, or to arrange an interview please
contact: Robert Marson, Killer Whale, Tel: 0404 464 902, robert@killerwhale.com.au
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