Open Letter to Western Australian Farmers

Stop Live Exports is a group based in Fremantle, that is committed to a phase out of live animal exports. We reflect the growing community concerns surrounding the trade, based on the undeniable evidence that live export severely compromises animal welfare and also has negative impacts on our economy and employment in rural areas.

Stop Live Exports acknowledge that there have been considerable pressures on the farming community in WA in recent years, including severe drought and economic challenges.

We do not seek to create a city-rural divide by lobbying for a phase out of this trade, or wish to place additional pressure on farmers.  Instead we seek a collaborative approach and a well thought out and workable strategy to ensure that farmers are ready when public pressure finally dictates that politicians must act to phase out live exports.

The latest report, commissioned by WSPA 2012 and written by respected economic analysts, ACIL Tasman, proposes a market driven re-balancing of the live animal and meat export trades, to be achieved by joint government and industry initiatives.

You can read the report or a report summary via these links:

ACIL_2012_Report_Summary-1.pdf

Live_cattle_exports_in_the_north_of_Australia_ACIL_Tasman.pdf

The report identifies the basis of a solution that offers economic and financial benefits - including added certainty of income - both at farm level and nationally. It also positively impacts the welfare of Australian animals used for human consumption.

We understand that this report has received some negative feedback from the farming sector, and we welcome all constructive comments and feedback by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

We know that the live export industry has undertaken an extensive marketing campaign that seeks to assuage farmers concerns regarding the live export process, but evidence of ongoing abuse and cruelty in both transport, handling and slaughter strongly suggests that the industry cannot control all aspects nor guarantee good welfare.

We believe that most farmers do care about the handling of their animals and we ask that farmers review footage taken by animal advocacy groups and make their own decision and what is acceptable treatment.

The most recent footage can be viewed by going to the following link:

http://www.animalsaustralia.org/investigations/live-export/