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On 1 July 2024, the Federal Government…
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  4. Government recommendations a poor…

RSPCA Australia is extremely disappointed by the government’s weak attempt to improve the lives of thousands of Australian sheep and cattle that are exported live for breeding purposes each year. The Industry Government Implementation Groups Breed Livestock Export report released today lacks substance and any real improvements to an industry that has been failing animals for far too long.

“Of the four recommendations in this report none would have changed the outcome for the 250 dairy cows exported to Qatar last year, nor would they have ensured that the facility and management had the capacity to care for them,” said RSPCA Australia CEO, Heather Neil.  

“This was the perfect opportunity for both government and industry to create solid regulations that would have a positive impact and protect our vulnerable and valuable breeding animals in overseas countries, but instead all they’ve done is allow current practices to continue.”

 “Australian breeding animals are completely unprotected once they leave our shores. The fact that up to 7,000 Australian sheep and a number of cows and calves can die from malnutrition and heat stress at a facility in Qatar is proof that a system needs to be put in place rapidly, so animals in the future can only be sent to places that have the capacity to care for them. 

“No animal should be sent overseas for breeding or dairy purposes unless the facility they’re going to has been demonstrated to have the capacity to care for them,” said Ms Neil.

Media contact Elise Meakin 0419 748 907

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