Live Dairy Cattle Exports Down
Posted: October 27, 2009
ABC Rural recently posted a report on live dairy cattle export numbers, and like many areas in the agriculture industry, it’s not looking positive. (Photo courtesy of Allyson Horn) Here is the most recent news…
Live dairy cattle exports are 10,000 head below expectations so far this year. Cameron Hall, from LiveCorp, says it’s likely that just 40,000 dairy heifers will be exported from Australia this year. It’s a long way short of the 58,000 that were exported to more than 15 countries last year.
“Now that’s been an impact of the global financial crisis without doubt,” he says. “You know, we’ve seen an increase in the second half of the year on Australian currency rates, we’re seeing an increase on oil prices, all of which go into increasing the cost to supply Australian dairy cattle.”
Kevin Masters Said,
October 27, 2009 @ 9:27 am
No matter which way one looks at the export of live animals there is one constant which remains no matter what. That is the CRUELTY of it all.
Greedy selfish farmers, agents, transporters and exporters see $$$$. Animal welfarists see the blinding obvious: continual SUFFERING of every animal.
The Govt is too gutless to stand up for what is right, decent and compassionate and instead choose to throw their support to a most heinous and vile business. 40000 people have lost their jobs to this trade. And the Govt NEVER tells the world the truth about the lack of ENFORCEMENT of the export rules (ASEL). There is no checking and inspecting of every animal. Right from the time the animals leave the farm gate to the time they are loaded aboard the rusting buckets of ships, the govt FAILS to inspect every animal. In fact Australia FAILS to have anywhere near ‘best practice’ in the livestock industry. Any claim to the contrary cannot be substantiated because no records are kept.
And all the while the reputation of Australia as a half decent place goes down the dunny..we can however lay claim to being a cruel, and barbaric nation devoid of compassion, gratitude and respect.
Shannon Said,
October 27, 2009 @ 9:35 am
SHAME SHAME SHAME on AUSTRALIA.
The export of live animals is totally unacceptable and for most Australians it is a repugnant business.
Millions have signed petitions opposing cruel live export yet the govt refuses to listen. Bullied and controlled by whinging farmers no doubt- oops, its mostly farmers in the govt!!
Vile people. VILE TRADE.
Sue Lantzke Said,
October 28, 2009 @ 1:40 am
Live export is cruel. There are other options.
There are also standards that are meant to be adhered to, but unfortunately as soon as no-one’s looking shortcuts are taken and the ones who do suffer are the ones with no voice.
Les Ward Said,
October 28, 2009 @ 4:38 am
The live export trade in animals for slaughter is a miserable business, causing untold distress and suffering to the animals involved. Those making money out of this cruel trade turn a blind eye to the horrors of the journey and the brutal fate that awaits these animals in the majority of the countries to where they are sent. If animals are to be slaughtered for food, it should be carried out in tightly regulated slaughterhouses in Australia as close to the point of production and then shipped on the hook rather than on the hoof. This live export trade in misery must end now to protect both the welfare of the animals and to remove the shame that continues to hang over Australia and its involvement.
Rebekah Eyers Said,
October 29, 2009 @ 8:31 pm
I am embarrassed to be an Australian when I read stories about the number of animals we are STILL live exporting overseas. Our own government enquiries advised against this practice largely because of the animal welfare risks involved, and recommended that the animals be killed here and the meat exported chilled not live!! One of the biggest petitions ever presented to the Australian government from the general public was one demanding that live export be banned. The RSPCA has always advised against live export because long distance transport of animals presents too many welfare risks, especially when the animals are destined for countries with either no animal welfare regulation at all or very minimal and poorly enforced welfare regulation. How many exposes of horrific suffering have to be presented before live export is banned? How can farmers who claim to care for their animals commit them to such high risks of suffering? Australia struggles to enforce its own animal welfare regulation. It is in the public interest that animals be slaughtered in Australia and that government provide more resources and political will to ensure that animal welfare regulation for farmed animals is enforced. The public have demonstrated their opposition to live export and their insistence that welfare regulation for farmed animals in Australia IS ENFORCED.