A Message From Lynn MacLaren, Greens MLC

As many of you know, I’ve been working toward an end to live exports since 1995. As founding President of PACAT I was supported in my activism by both the Democrats and the Greens. Eventually I joined the Greens and now serve as a Member of Parliament in Western Australia. I urge you to continue to call for a complete ban of the exportation of live animals for slaughter. The Greens have introduced a bill to do just that. If you support it, let others know about this bill and why not let the Greens in the Senate and Adam Bandt know you support it at the same time that you ask Julia Gillard or your federal member of Parliament to ban the trade.

Australia has exported live animals for decades. 26 years ago a senate inquiry carefully investigated the trade and determined it could not be conducted humanely. Since that time old rust bucket converted car carriers have been replaced by state of the art multiple million dollar purpose built ships that deliver our animals into horrific conditions abroad. The breeds and weight of animals permitted for export have been restricted to those who stand the best chance of survival. Still 30,000 sheep died enroute last year and over a thousand cattle. While these mortalities are reported (without independent verification) suffering during loading, unloading and transportation is not measured by statistics. Over the years ships have sunk due to mechanical breakdowns and storms, ventilation systems have failed, thousands have been stranded in foreign ports due to suspected disease, wars and political friction. We have evidence of cruelty at every stage. There is only one solution: don't export live animals for slaughter overseas.

If farmers need compensation, it should come from the MLA fund. The government and industry bodies permitted this trade to continue though they knew about the unacceptable conditions. To the farmers who weren't fooled into thinking that this trade was humane, I congratulate you for your choice not to export live animals for slaughter. You should be commended and respected for your stance.