WHEN prices are high and things are looking promising on a domestic front it is easy to say let’s shut live exports down. It won’t affect us.
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Yes the footage which was aired on national television was disturbing. And yes it was wrong. But unfortunately this issue is not a new one.
Whether it is sheep or cattle the live export industry has always been under scrutiny. It isn’t hard to find a primary producer who is against it. Why can’t Australia hold onto the supply chain dollars and promote the quality value adding here.
The feasibility of putting live animals on a ship and carting them across the ocean to buyers, who for religious reasons or whatever, demand that their meat arrives alive has been questioned for years.
Meat and Livestock Australia has worked closely with Middle Eastern buyers to sure up halal slaughter in this country. And the representative body also maintains an office in Dubai.
Yes, more needs to be done.
But it’s important not to point the finger at the grassroots producers. If you want to find the best advocates for animal welfare look no further than an Australian farmer.
Australian farmers really are getting it right on the domestic front when it comes to animal welfare.
And despite what might seem like constant criticism there are plenty of people who are well and truly ahead of the game. Saleyards such as the Wagga Livestock Marketing Centre adopt best practice. There is nothing to hide. Each week the centre will feature in live Facebook feeds and it is not unusual to see busloads of visitors call in at the centre.
The livestock transport industry is also to be applauded in terms of embracing quality assurance. And the livestock agents and auctioneers also have a role to play in fostering the image of this lucrative industry.
The lessons of the past have been implemented and things have improved.
If the live export industry is going to continue to be a thorn in the side of Aussie farmers it’s time to do something about it. Transparency is the first thing that is needed