Eric Hutchinson: Don’t shut down the live animal export trade

SHUTTING down Australia’s live animal export trade while cruelty claims are investigated seriously jeopardises the valuable rural industry’s long term future and is unnecessary, says Lyons Liberal MHR Eric Hutchinson.

Mr Hutchinson said today that he was seriously concerned about calls again to suspend the live export trade after footage released showing sheep being mistreated in Jordan reignited the debate.

“Nobody condones animal cruelty but you don’t just shut down the industry when there is an allegation,’’ he said.

“The fact is that we are becoming an increasingly sterile community.

“If most people paid a visit to their local abattoirs, they would not like what they saw.

“The fact is that the best abattoirs in the world are not nice places.’’

Mr Hutchinson, who worked for many years in primary industry and agriculture before being elected to government, said that live export was an important Australian industry with close links to Tasmanian producers.

“Australia has worked hard for many years to improve animal welfare conditions,’’ he said.

“If it shuts down, the product will be sourced by our customers elsewhere where there is the risk of inadequate standards.’’

Mr Hutchinson said that all animal cruelty claims should be strenuously investigated.

“We do not accept wanton cruelty,’’ he said.

“But there should not be a stop to the livestock trade while it happens .’’
Eric Hutchinson, Federal Liberal Candidate for Lyons