The RSPCA is encouraging the Federal government to pass a bill tabled by independent MP Andrew Wilkie today, which will ensure mandatory stunning for all animals exported live for slaughter.
The Bills introduction follows more footage aired last week on ABC's Lateline which exposed the current Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System’s (ESCAS) inability to protect Australian animals from cruelty.
The footage from Kuwait shows Australian sheep being slaughtered in a banned location outside of the supply chain, with no regard for their welfare or the pain and suffering they are enduring. The sheep are held over a drain to have their throats cut with a short, blunt knife and are thrown on top of one another while still conscious.
“The horrific vision we saw last week is just another reminder of the horrendous conditions Australian animals face when exported abroad,” said Heath Neil, CEO, RSPCA Australia.
“Once again we are watching Australian sheep suffer a prolonged and distressing death in the hands of incompetent slaughtermen. First Indonesia, now Kuwait.
“This is the second time Mr Wilkie has tried to table this Bill, surely it’s time for both the Federal Government and the Opposition to take a stand to ensure Australian animals, at the very least, are protected from un-stunned slaughter.
“A ‘recommendation’ for stunning just isn’t good enough, if the government is serious about preventing animal cruelty it must legislate change which will make it mandatory,” said Ms Neil.
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