The Independent Member for Denison, Andrew Wilkie, has released the footage obtained by Animals Australia investigators of shocking animal cruelty to Australian sheep and goats in Malaysia and the Middle East during the recent Festival of Sacrifice.
“This latest footage is nothing short of appalling,” Mr Wilkie said. “Here we see Australian sheep and goats being sent to Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Lebanon to suffer horrific treatment during the annual Festival of Sacrifice.”
“Surely this alone is all the proof we need that the live export trade is inherently cruel and needs to be shut down. No other industry would be allowed to consistently breach regulations and still be able to operate.
“But Barnaby Joyce doesn’t just turn a blind eye to the cruelty – he rubs his hands together with glee at the prospect of it continuing.
“If we’re going to allow the cruel trade to continue, the export companies involved in shipping these animals should be prosecuted and have their licenses suspended because there have been clear breaches of the Exporter Supply Chain Assurance Scheme. But yet still no company has had their export license suspended or cancelled despite ongoing breaches year after year.
“Live export is systemically cruel, not in Australia’s economic self-interest and lacks popular support. It’s beyond time that we shut it down and held those responsible – including Minister for Cruelty Barnaby Joyce – to account.”
The footage will be available to view at Mr Wilkie’s media event and copies will be available on request.
Andrew Wilkie, Independent MP for Denison
