HUMANE CHAIN- Stop Live Exports

MP Kelvin Thomson puts pressure on Government to suspend licences of two live animal exporters

noreply@blogger.com (www.humanechain.org.au) — Tue, 22 May 2012 03:15:00 +0000

You may have heard the upsetting news that two live animal exporters were recently found to breach 37 animal welfare rules. The exporters; North Australian Cattle Company Pty Ltd and International Livestock Export Pty Ltd were using approved supply chains, however, an investigation into their Indonesian abattoirs found that they were not meeting the set regulations. This highlights that the current system in place is not effective and not enough is being done by the Government to stop animal cruelty.

We are therefore very glad to see that Victorian MP, Kelvin Thomson is putting pressure on the Government to suspend or cancel the licences of these two exporters. His statement (below) illustrates that MPs can get behind this issue and support domestic processing rather than cruel live animal exports. With your support, we can encourage more MPs to take Kelvin’s viewpoint.

Friday 18th May 2012

Kelvin Thomson MP
Federal Labor Member for WillsBREACHES OF ANIMAL WELFARE EXPORT STANDARDS

In my view 37 breaches is way too many and the two exporters should have their licences suspended or even cancelled.

The Department Deputy Secretary said if further animal welfare breaches occur they would face the possible loss of their export licence, but you have to wonder how many chances they get. When the trade was resumed last year after being suspended, the Government said the industry was on notice, so I think the public would expect that any exporters now found to be treating animals inhumanely would be run out of the industry.

Even more worrying for me than the question of penalty is the fact that it wasn’t industry self-regulation that brought these breaches to light, it was Animals Australia- Lyn White and her little video camera. You have to wonder whether we are really seeing the tip of the iceberg.

I think the only way we are going to ensure our animals are not being mistreated is to insist on mandatory stunning- that all animals are stunned before being killed. I further think we should be supporting proposals for the establishment of abattoirs in northern Australia, such as the Australian Agricultural Company proposal for Livingstone Valley south of Darwin, and transitioning away from live exports and into domestic processing, which is better for both animal welfare and for Australian jobs.

Kelvin Thomson MP

Thanks to all Humane Chain volunteers

noreply@blogger.com (www.humanechain.org.au) — Wed, 16 May 2012 00:17:00 +0000

In celebration of National Volunteers week we thought we would highlight some of the work done on our Humane Chain campaign, by our extraordinary volunteers over the last several years.

One way volunteers have made a difference is by putting themselves out on the front lines at market stalls, collecting petition signatures and putting a face to the campaign. Volunteers help us as advocates talking with the public, dispelling myths and providing resources, and demonstrating how many Australians are against live exports.

Though it’s not always the most exciting work, volunteers help us a lot behind the scenes as well by doing data entry and helping with other administrative tasks. In fact, WSPA Australia’s longest-running volunteer Flo has been assisting us in the office on a regular basis since 2003!

Now that’s commitment to animals!

And in our biggest volunteer effort yet, the Move Forward campaign in late 2011 saw over 90 volunteer Captains working on everything from petition collecting, to holding events, to meeting with local MPs and reporters, all in the name of ending live exports.

Many of our Captains have continued their volunteer efforts in 2012 – we recently profiled one of them, April, here on our blog. We’ll have more information soon on how you can lend your time as well to helping animals, so watch this space!

Lastly, today we’re saying goodbye to Katie, who’s been working hard as a volunteer intern in the WSPA office for the past 3 months. We’ll miss you, Katie!

In order to make progress in animal welfare we rely on these dedicated volunteers for their support and couldn’t do it without them, so this week we’re extending a big THANK YOU!

The Very Important Next Step

noreply@blogger.com (www.humanechain.org.au) — Tue, 08 May 2012 05:33:00 +0000

If you are one of the many people who have contacted your Federal Member of Parliament about cruel live animal exports, then you most likely have (well you should have!) received a letter in response. These letters can take many different forms depending on the MP, which party they belong to and whether they are using standard responses.

The next important step is to respond to this letter to keep this issue on the Government’s radar. We already know live animal exports are one of the top issues MPs receive correspondence about and we must maintain the momentum. Here is a helpful checklist to help you respond:

Did you actually receive a letter in response? If not, follow up and ask for a response
Does your letter contain myths such as “there is no refrigeration in the Middle East” or “Middle Eastern countries won’t accept chilled meat”? Write back and let them know this is simply incorrect. You can bust the myths here.
Did you know asking a couple of specific questions in your letter will help you avoid the dreaded “standard response”? You could ask about animal welfare or about the jobs that are being lost in Australia.
Always ask for a response to your letter
Keep your correspondence concise and polite
Send via the mail if you can, rather than email

Happy writing and thanks for all you do for the animals!

WSPA Volunteer Spotlight: April Meddick

noreply@blogger.com (www.humanechain.org.au) — Thu, 03 May 2012 05:39:00 +0000

WSPA’s Animal Task Force is a group of volunteers, currently made up of the Captains from our "Move Forward" campaign. They have been hard at work campaigning against live export over the last several months. One such volunteer is April Meddick, Captain for the Corangamite electorate.

April has been focusing on Government Relations tasks, engaging in correspondence with her MP, Darren Cheeseman, and asking him pressing questions and educating him on the facts of the trade.

April and her family reside in Torquay, Victoria, and she is working hard to let her MP know that, as a constituent, this issue matters to her. Having a career in Administration, two teenage children, and several pets, April is busy, but she makes time to volunteer as a Captain because she firmly believes the trade must end.

After seeing a 60 Minutes programme regarding live sheep exports, April was horrified to see what was happening in Australia. Inspired to take action, she wrote a letter to then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to register her opposition to the trade. As time passed, she didn’t hear from him and it slipped from her mind. More recently, another live export broadcast caught her eye and reignited her passion. April says:

“I vowed this time I wouldn’t let it go, but would be more active in the fight to get this cruel trade brought to an end.When I received an email from WSPA stating that they were getting involved in the fight to bring the live export trade to an end, I jumped at the opportunity to get more actively involved with the support of this great organisation behind me.”

However, you don’t need to be a WSPA Captain to lobby the government, as April has done. Reaching out to your elected officials is a powerful action that anyone can take.

“People can help to bring an end to the trade by regularly letting their politicians know that they do not support the trade and will not vote for a party that supports this trade”, April says.

In regards to the difficulties of the campaign, she says “I think one of the biggest challenges is apathy-that people will forget about the footage they saw, just like I did. We need to keep this subject in the public eye until the trade is brought to an end. We need to keep the pressure up to our politicians.”

Determined to succeed, April’s message to her MP is clear:

“I want them to know that no amount of tracking systems are going to change the suffering and awful conditions the animals endure on the journey over. It is not going to stop the cruel way an animal is treated at their destination. I want my Member of Parliament to know that cruelty is not OK for any amount of money. I want the message to be loud and clear that Australians do not accept cruelty under any banner.”

Look for more information soon on how you can join April in WSPA's Animal Task Force!

Introducing WSPA Live Export Campaign Coordinator Graham Nicholls

noreply@blogger.com (www.humanechain.org.au) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 01:02:00 +0000

With over 113,000 Australians now having joined the Humane Chain, we thought we’d take the opportunity to give you a look at some of the hard working people behind the scenes. Meet Graham Nicholls, WSPA’s Campaign Coordinator.

Graham is responsible for working with Government and stakeholders to showcase the alternatives to live exports, and joined our team in December 2011, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role.

While working in Tonga in 2011 Graham was shocked by Animals Australia’s footage of the maltreatment of Australian cattle in Indonesia. This motivated him to offer his strategy development and influencing skills to WSPA’s efforts to bring about the end of Australia’s live animal trade.

Graham says, “My mission is to secure the best possible outcome for animals as well as support farmers, while benefitting the Australian economy, using WSPA funded research as our base”. I have welcomed the contribution, feedback and insight from our stakeholders on the front line of this debate”.

Graham has had a wide ranging and progressive career over the years.

Most recently his experience centres on international development, a field in which he has worked for 14 years. Graham worked as an adviser to the governments of Solomon Islands and Tonga and held management positions with AusAID, where at different times he led the development and management of aid programs to Papua New Guinea, Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and regional Pacific organisations.

He also managed AusAID’s relations with UN and Commonwealth development agencies, the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.

Graham is married with two teenage children and has a menagerie of companion animals living with them at his home in Queensland.

Read more about WSPA’s approach to live animal export, and how we work with government and other stakeholders.

WSPA applauds WA Labor Party on backing chilled meat exports

noreply@blogger.com (www.humanechain.org.au) — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:06:00 +0000

The World Society for the Protection of Animals commends the Western Australian Labor Party on its move to improve animal welfare, following the launch of a discussion paper by leader Mark McGowan.

In the paper, Strengthening Animal Welfare in Western Australia (link opens a PDF), a key recommendation is to work with overseas trade offices to promote chilled meat products and create a commercial alternative to live exports.

This is a positive development in placing animal welfare on the political agenda. It also supports WSPA’s objective to phase out the live export of animals for slaughter by providing viable alternative solutions.

Jodie Jankevics, Campaign Manager, WSPA Australia, said: “Committing to finding alternatives to live exports is a fantastic step forward for the WA Labor Party. By promoting a chilled meat industry, they are supporting local jobs and encouraging farmers to diversify.

“A complete reliance on the live animal trade is risky business. WA Labor’s approach of working to remove trade barriers - that stop meat processors from being competitive in overseas markets - is a step in the right direction. As a result, hopefully the West Australian meat manufacturing sector can look forward to long-term business stability.”

Research, funded by WSPA and undertaken by economic analysts, ACIL Tasman, has shown the economic benefit of having a single sheep processed in Australia is worth 20% more to the WA economy than one sent live.

MP Steve Georganas to Parliament: End Live Exports

noreply@blogger.com (www.humanechain.org.au) — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 04:14:00 +0000

The following is a speech made by Mr Steve Georganas, Member for Hindmarsh, South Australia to Parliament yesterday, Wednesday, 14 March 2012

On behalf of many constituents in my electorate I rise to convey to the House their overwhelming desire for an immediate end to live animal exports.

Many constituents have contacted me in the last few weeks since the dreadful scenes we saw on the ABC.

I have received hundreds of emails from people across my electorate who are angry and upset at seeing more footage emerge of animal cruelty overseas.

They have written to me to express their frustration at seeing cattle in abattoirs overseas not only failing to be stunned but actually being cut up while still alive.

This was horrendous vision for any Australian viewing it.

It was terrible to watch and we can only imagine the pain and suffering those animals endured.

Whilst we have not yet confirmed the origin of those animals, the message was clear—you just cannot guarantee Australian welfare standards in a country that is not Australia.

I think anyone who saw the footage would be horrified.

There is absolutely no excuse for that kind of cruelty.

I am glad that the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry reacted swiftly by launching an investigation.

We spoke with the minister's office, who confirmed that they had launched an investigation.

The frustrating thing is that, if we did not have live exports, there would be no need for such an investigation.

Last year when the issue first arose I was one of the first to call for a ban, as was the member for Wills, who is here in the chamber.

We did succeed in having a temporary ban imposed, but of course live exports soon resumed despite a lot of lobbying from me, the member for Wills and many other members of the Labor caucus.

We now find ourselves in a distressing groundhog day situation.

There have been some improvements, and I am pleased that there have been and I am glad the minister has put them in place.

Before, we did not have a way of tracking where cattle had come from and now, with new supply chain standards, we do.

But this is no excuse for the way animals are being treated, based on the footage we saw on the ABC a couple of weeks ago.

There have been improvements in aspects of the animals' welfare, but the fact remains that the only way to guarantee the welfare of Australian animals is to keep them in Australia.

It is time to bring our meat processing fully onshore.

Let us turn a bad thing into a good thing.

Let us stop exporting cattle and start processing them here in Australia and value adding.

Let us turn a basic product into a premium, value added one.

Let us do that not only because it makes absolute economic sense but because it is the right thing to do.

I do not agree with those assessments that say a ban on live exports will put cattle producers out of business.

I do not believe that for one moment.

Just think about the opportunities that fully onshore meat processing presents for jobs—it means more jobs in regional communities and regional areas.

It will mean more money staying in the local economy rather than going offshore.

New Zealand has been able to do this.

There will be a big expansion in our chilled and frozen meat exports, which could open up new markets overseas.

It will mean that Australians can be satisfied that our animals are treated humanely when they are slaughtered here in Australia.

Just last weekend Minister Emerson—we saw reports of this in the Australian newspaper—was talking about the fantastic opportunities we have as a nation to become the world's food bowl, particularly in terms of the demand for meat.

He spoke about the increasing demand for beef and lamb in China and other countries where the middle class is rapidly expanding and the appetite for animal protein also continues to increase rapidly.

The time is right to make this transition—it is up to us to seize the opportunity with both hands.

The message from my electorate and the wider community is crystal clear: end live exports now.

Vets Against Live Export

noreply@blogger.com (www.humanechain.org.au) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 02:46:00 +0000

WSPA was pleased to hear recently of a new Veterinary organisation forming here in Australia. VALE (Vets Against Live Export) is a recently formed organisation focusing on the need to phase out export of live animals for slaughter.

Spokesperson Dr Sue Foster says VALE counts among its members and advisors two professors of animal welfare in Australian veterinary schools and an on-ship veterinarian with first-hand experience of the live trade.

Dr Foster said “VALE’s aim is to lead the transition away from live export by giving the public and government a balanced and objective scientific view of animal welfare and regulation of the industry. Our members have direct experience of the willingness of exporters to hide the truth about poor animal welfare and will be seeking to expose this to the public.”

Dr Foster hopes that the Australian Veterinary Association will support VALE’s goal of phasing out the live export trade and assisting with the transition back to a localised slaughter industry with export of refrigerated meat, which would benefit many more Australians through the creation of regional jobs.

“It has repeatedly been demonstrated that the trade is very risky and unreliable. More needs to be done to ensure the long term viability of Australia’s livestock industries, and the AVA should support that notion,” she said.

We look forward to seeing what’s to come from VALE. For more information, please visit their website at www.vale.org.au

WSPA Concerned About Latest Cruelty Footage from Indonesia

noreply@blogger.com (www.humanechain.org.au) — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 06:10:00 +0000

WSPA is extremely concerned about the cruelty footage from last night’s Lateline, as supplied by Animals Australia.

The Federal Government’s new supply chain process and sanctions are now being tested for the first time. There is a high level of public focus and interest. Assuming that the animals depicted last night were indeed sourced recently from Australia, WSPA hopes that firm sanctions against a proven offender reinforce the Government’s stated determination to stamp out animal cruelty not just in Indonesia, but for all Australian live exported animals.

WSPA is concerned that monitoring has not identified this incident, and that animal welfare advocates have exposed this once again. Further, we believe the phase out of the live animal trade and more domestic processing for the growing international market in meat will in fact improve the economics of the entire livestock industry.

WSPA has been working for some time on domestic processing options for cattle and sheep, including on an Australian-based meat processing facility that meets Australian laws, codes and regulations. This option would reduce cruelty and create additional jobs in Northern Australia.

Supporters can help by asking the Government to support the alternatives to the live trade. You can write a letter to your local MP via our website: http://humanechain.org or write to your local newspaper or call your local radio station to get the message out there that Australians will not stand for this cruelty and want to see an end to the live export trade.

Cruelty at Hawkesbury Abattoir

noreply@blogger.com (www.humanechain.org.au) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:04:00 +0000

We’ve recently received a number of questions from supporters regarding the footage from the Hawkesbury abattoir in NSW that was recently exposed by Animal Liberation NSW:

http://www.smh.com.au/environment/animals/cruelty-video-rogue-abattoir-checked-four-times-in-a-year-20120210-1saat.html (Warning: article contains a video featuring graphic content)

WSPA believes that the cruelty seen at the Hawkesbury abattoir was abhorrent. The brutality that was displayed is neither legal nor acceptable here in Australia.

In Australia there are laws protecting animals, which is why WSPA believes that animals should be processed in this country. However, we only advocate for domestic processing of animals where the abattoir pre-stuns animals and meets all relevant codes, acts, regulations and laws, and where the abattoir operations are closely monitored by the relevant authorities.

WSPA has campaigned against the live export of animals for a number of years. Live export is an inherently cruel practice and WSPA is searching for the most humane solution. We believe that where onshore processing follows the necessary protocols, including pre-stunning animals, this is best for the animals and best for the Australian economy too.

The Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union (AMIEU) which has worked with us on the campaign to end live animal export, has also strongly condemned the actions of this abattoir.

Any additional questions regarding live animal export can be sent to humanechain@wspa.org.au

LIVE EXPORT CANDIDATE SPEAKS ABOUT UPCOMING ELECTION

noreply@blogger.com (www.humanechain.org.au) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:31:00 +0000

This weekend, a by-election is being held in Port Adelaide for the seat of South Australian Treasurer. Colin Thomas (pictured below) is running for this seat as an Independent candidate on a “Ban Live Export” platform.

WSPA’s Campaign Officer Sharon Baldwin recently discussed with Mr Thomas about his campaign and why live animal export is such an important issue to voters.

WSPA: Can you tell us a little more about your background?

COLIN THOMAS: As a former Greens member, I established and convened the first ever South Australian Greens group dedicated to tackling animal protection issues. Since early 2009 I have been a central figure in organising protests and fronting the media in efforts to ban the cruel sport of jumps racing in South Australia. I am vegetarian, a lover of nature, passionate about protecting and preserving the planet we live on, and I am running as an Independent (Ban Live Animal Exports) candidate in the Port Adelaide by-election on February 11. I live at Largs Bay in Adelaide with my partner and five month old twins.

WSPA: Why is live animal export such an important issue to people in Port Adelaide?

COLIN THOMAS: Given the widespread coverage last year of the sadistic and cruel practices in many Indonesian abattoirs, the issue of live animal exports was still fresh in the minds of many Australians when again it was brought to people's attention here at Port Adelaide. More than 100 concerned citizens held spirited and vocal protests over several days, angry at the suffering of thousands of sheep on board a broken down ship that was bound for the Middle East. Port Adelaide is one of the central exit points for sheep exports destined for that part of the world.

WSPA: What do you hope to achieve if elected?

THOMAS: By securing as many votes as possible, and taking votes away from the major parties in the process, I hope to send a clear and unambiguous message that everyday citizens have had enough of the unnecessary cruelty of live animal exports, whether that is cattle to Indonesia, sheep to the Middle East or any other form of live animal export. The opportunity to raise the profile of the live animal exports issue again was too good to miss.

WSPA: How can interested supporters in Adelaide help with your election?

COLIN THOMAS: With this in mind, I am seeking volunteers for an hour or two to help give out “How to Vote” cards on polling day, Saturday February 11. Post-election evaluations of previous state and federal elections have always pointed to a better result for any candidate the more polling booths they cover on polling day. Please contact me at trufflesgonewild@hotmail.com if you would like to help out on the day.

Please note this interview is posted for informational purposes only. WSPA does not endorse any particular political candidates, and the views expressed here by Mr Thomas are his own.

Minister flies out to shore up new live export rules

noreply@blogger.com (www.humanechain.org.au) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 02:07:00 +0000

As reported in today's article from Sydney Morning Herald, Minister for Agriculture, Joe Ludwig, is traveling this week to the Middle East to discuss animal welfare standards with regards to live exports.

The trip comes following the Minister’s imposed deadline of 1 March to enact new animal welfare guidelines and “supply chain assurances.”

Live export companies have been crying out against these new guidelines, predicting that the new framework will result in decreased shipments for 2012. A recent article in Meat Trade News daily even wondered if this could be signaling a dismal future for the industry, asking “Are live exports coming to an end?”

The fact is, demand for live exports is rapidly decreasing, and Australians have come to realise the impact that this inhumane practice has on animals. While WSPA salutes Minister Ludwig’s efforts towards animal welfare, we question the time and effort being spent on so-called improvements that the industry is not getting behind.

The Minister could instead focus on supporting our processing sector in Australia, which supports manufacturing jobs in rural and regional areas. The economic advantages are irrefutable - a sheep processed in Australia is worth 20% more than one processed overseas.

Thousands of sheep die each year on board live export vessels from starvation and disease. We are killing animals and leaking money. The Minister needs to re-focus on the chilled meat trade, which is better for Australia and better for the sheep and cattle.

Work to help animals as a WSPA intern!

noreply@blogger.com (www.humanechain.org.au) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 23:41:00 +0000

This weekend, some of our Sydney-based volunteer Captains got together in the WSPA office to lend their time to helping wrap up our Move Forward initiative by assisting with the glamourous task of data entry.

It was a huge help to the office, and we'd like to extend a big THANK YOU to Nami, Matthew, Rosalba, Sy, Alen, Michelle, Stefan, and Jim!

We'll have lots of opportunities in the coming year for supporters to get involved, making a difference. Currently we're recruiting for a volunteer internship position. Here's more information:

Position Description:

The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) is recruiting at part-time intern to work in our Sydney office. We’re looking for someone who can work at least 20 hours/week but are flexible with timing.

Intern will assist with our Humane Chain campaign and the implementation of an exciting new supporter-driven project focusing on raising public awareness. This is an excellent opportunity for a recent grad, someone looking to move into the nonprofit sector or a more seasoned pro, simply wanting to work on a meaningful cause.

Specific duties to include:
• Volunteer management including maintaining a schedule of volunteer activities
• Seeking out opportunities to raise public awareness such as events and festivals, as well as social media
• Assist with the creation of promotional materials
• Assisting with mailings, data entry and other administrative tasks as necessary
Skills required:
• Excellent people skills – experience managing people or working with volunteers is very helpful
• Highly organised, able to manage time efficiently and work well, both independently and as part of a team.
• A passion for animal welfare
• An interest and experience in social media is helpful
• Also helpful but not necessary is experience in Photoshop/graphic design

Although this is an unpaid internship there are lots of opportunities to learn more about campaigning, political lobbying, and animal welfare generally, depending on your areas of interest.

To Apply:
Please send a CV and cover letter to sharonbaldwin@wspa.org.au by 30 January. This is an unpaid position to commence ASAP and run through May.

The Inherent Cruelty of Live Exports

noreply@blogger.com (www.humanechain.org.au) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 23:33:00 +0000

News reported in The Australian last week again throws up questions regarding the ability of live exporters to influence slaughter practices in importing countries.

The paper says: “The first independent audits of Indonesian abattoirs wanting to import and process Australian cattle have found local workers initially failed to meet animal welfare standards, killing cows incorrectly and using blades that were not sharp enough”.

Whilst the report states that corrective action was taken, I have to wonder how many more animals must suffer. Even if the knife does remain sharp, the fact that some animals are being slaughtered whilst fully conscious is simply unacceptable.

As WSPA has said time and time again to decision-makers and to the panel at both live export inquiries last year, the live trade is inherently cruel. It is fraught with animal welfare issues, from loading, to the long distance transportation and of course the slaughter issues in importing countries.

For example, it is very difficult to mitigate some of the animal welfare issues on board a three week boat journey to the Middle East.

We know that sheep transported to the Middle East experience immense suffering, including cramped conditions which results in injury and diseases such as salmonellosis and pink eye.

At an RSPCA Live Export forum last year, I learned of additional factors that cause suffering including the effects of high levels of humidity, problems associated with animals having to lie down in their own urine and faeces, how ship motion and noise and vibration cause stress, and how changes in lighting can be an issue. There is also a higher mortality rate among rams because of head-butting, aggression and mounting.

There is no such thing as humane live export, but there is a solution to the problem that will benefit Australian animals and the Australian economy. We can spend millions, trying to solve the unsolvable, or we can transition to an expanded chilled meat trade that supports jobs in regional and rural areas. WSPA will continue to work with the Government in 2012 to show them again that there is an alternative.

If you haven’t done so already, why not join 110,000 other like minded individuals and head to our website at www.humanechain.org and sign a letter to your MP. Every action shows that we will not accept the cruelty of live exports and helps educate others about the alternative.

WSPA Campaign Manager, Jodie Jankevics

Year-End Live Animal Export Wrap-Up: Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (www.humanechain.org.au) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 23:21:00 +0000

In Part One of our Year End Wrap-Up we looked at some of the live export milestones in the first half of 2011. The year’s turning point was easily defined by the atrocities uncovered by Animals Australia and televisions program Four Corners in Indonesia, which made live export an issue no one could ignore.

WSPA supporters sent thousands of letters to their MPs and to Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig in the days following the Four Corners report, and then followed the events closely in the ensuing weeks as Ludwig first suspended the live trade to Indonesia, and then re-instated it in July.

Later that month, WSPA staff traveled to Indonesia to participate in a workshop with the Indonesian Veterinary Medical Association and meet with Government officials, as a step forward in terms of improving animal welfare practices within Indonesia.

Also in July, we launched a campaign to reach out to our supporters all over the world, who were shocked to find out about the cruel live animal export trade. In Phase 1 of the campaign, tens of thousands of WSPA supporters wrote letters to the Australian Government, imploring them to phase out this trade.

In Phase 2, we asked our supporters to upload their photo onto the Global Humane Chain website and we presented this visual representation of animal-lovers right around the globe to two Federal MPs at a Parliament House Press Conference in August.

Supporters all over the world took part in WSPA's Global Humane Chain

Also in August, WSPA presented at the Senate Inquiry into live exports making the case that not only is the live export trade inherently cruel, but that investing in local processing and jobs would provide a more stable base for farmers and our economy.

Building on the strong public momentum, in October we launched our ambitious “Move Forward” initiative, with the aim of mobilising volunteer “Captains” from electorates all over Australia to lobby the Labor Party to adopt a policy against live exports at its Federal Conference.

Over 100 supporters around Australia signed up to participate and we were blown away by their efforts: over 113 pieces of vital media coverage, 26 meetings with Labor representatives, and 33 events held around the country, all contributed to a great public and government awareness of the issue. This showed our decision makers that animal welfare is an important issue to everyday Australians!

A few highlights from the amazing work WSPA Captains did on the Move Forward campaign

MP Melissa Parke put forward the amendment at the Labor Conference, and the vote was so close it had to be put to a count. Although it did not pass, by a mere 22 votes, WSPA was encouraged by Minister Ludwig’s move to create infrastructure that would support alternatives to the live export trade in the North which will ultimately see a reduction in the number of animals sent live.

We end the year with 112,554 people having joined the WSPA Humane Chain and 100 dedicated Captains who have pledged to never give up until the last live export boat leaves our shores. With more support now onside than ever, we’re busy planning for what’s already looking to be a busy and exciting year in 2012. We thank everyone who has given their support along the way and look forward to the new year!

Indonesia to slash Aussie beef imports

noreply@blogger.com (www.humanechain.org.au) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:38:00 +0000

The following news article was originally published on ABC News, written by George Roberts.

The Indonesian government says it is planning to ban all live cattle imports from Australia within a few years.

But officials say the plan is not related to the Federal Government's temporary ban on exporting live cattle to Indonesia earlier this year.

The Indonesian agriculture minister has confirmed reports the country's government will begin drastically cutting the amount of beef it imports from Australia next year.

Minister Suswono has told the ABC that Indonesia is moving towards having a completely self-sufficient beef industry, meaning that Australian exports to Indonesia will be phased out over the next three or four years.

He has confirmed that next year Indonesia will only allow about 280,000 Australian cows to be brought into the country, down from 520,000 permits this year.

But he says the Australian Government's decision to temporarily ban live cattle exports to Indonesia earlier this year is not related.

The live cattle trade was suspended by the Australian Government for a month this year after the ABC's Four Corners program sparked animal welfare concerns. The trade was later reinstated with stricter regulations.

A spokesman for Indonesia's minister also says in the future Australian farmers will only be involved with the Indonesian beef market if they breed their cows in Indonesia.

The Cattle Council of Australia is not blaming the change on the recent export ban.

"I'm sure the Indonesia ministry of trade has just made this decision which is in line with their targets for self sufficiency," the council's spokesman Andrew Ogilvie said.

But Mr Ogilvie says the move will have an impact on local producers.

A spokesperson for Australia's Agriculture Department says in recent years there has been considerable variation in the number of permits issued.

The Department says import quotas are a matter for Indonesia, and the Australian Government remains committed to the live export trade.

Earlier this month the Labor Party's national conference rejected a push to phase out live cattle exports altogether.

Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig moved a motion that Labor recognise the importance of the industry to jobs in Northern Australia, which delegates supported.

Year-End Live Animal Export Wrap-Up: Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (www.humanechain.org.au) — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 03:09:00 +0000

As 2011 is drawing to an end, at WSPA we’re taking a moment to reflect back on what was quite a momentous year for animal welfare – particularly on the issue of live animal export.

This is part one of some of the highlights, achievements, and milestones from our campaign over the past year.

Building on our campaigning work in 2010 and early 2011, WSPA worked with Federal Labor MP Janelle Saffin to introduce a Private Members Motion to end live exports into Federal Parliament on March 21, 2011. Supported by 5 other MPs, this marked the first time that the issue of live animal export has ever been debated in Parliament. Ms Saffin and MP’s Dick Adams and Melissa Parke, highlighted the inherent risks, particularly for farmers, of a trade that is vulnerable to the demands of the importing countries.

A few months later, in May 2011 we launched our new Humane Chain website with a built-in tool, making it easy for supporters to write customised letters to Members of Parliament, voicing concern about live exports. So far over 28,000 of you have taken this action demonstrating clear opposition to the trade!

May also saw the launch of our Humane Campus Challenge in which students from 8 universities across Australia competed to see who could generate the most meaningful action on their campus, raising awareness of the cruelty of the live export trade. In the end, these passionate students generated over 1,500 letters from fellow students and community members – nearly half of which came from Southern Cross University the competition winner, followed by University of Sydney.

Students participating in WSPA’s Humane Campus Challenge

On May 31, 2011 live animal export became headline news, following the shocking Four Corners report which revealed Animals Australia’s investigation into the shocking treatment of Australian cattle in Indonesian abattoirs.

The cruelty that was uncovered outraged the Australian public and none of us will forget what we saw.

In Part 2 of our Year-End Wrap-Up we’ll look at the actions WSPA supporters and staff took both locally and globally in the second half of 2011.

Labor Party pledge moves live export debate forward

noreply@blogger.com (www.humanechain.org.au) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 03:42:00 +0000

Labor has rejected a move to phase out live exports at this weekend’s National Party Conference, but WSPA is encouraged by moves to support alternatives to the cruel trade.

WSPA Captains demonstrating at the Labor Party conference

At yesterday’s National Labor Party Conference in Sydney, MP Melissa Parke put forward an amendment asking delegates to support a four-year transition away from live export to a strengthened Australian chilled meat export trade – a move that would both protect Australian animals and promote Australian jobs.

The vote was so close that it was put to an official count, however sadly, support for the amendment fell just short with 173 votes for and 216 against.

WSPA Campaign Manager Jodie Jankevics said, “Whilst we’re disappointed Ms Parke's amendment didn't get through, we’re also very encouraged by Minister Ludwig’s move to create infrastructure that would support alternatives to the live export trade in the North.”

“Coupled with a stronger Labor focus on the elimination of chilled meat trade barriers such as tariffs, we believe practical steps are slowly being put into place to allow the supply chain to reduce its reliance on live export and move to a more humane and sustainable alternative.”

WSPA supporters’ efforts across the country through our "Move Forward" campaign have played a key role in raising awareness of the benefits of transitioning away from the live export trade with both the general public and importantly many key decision makers.

Since October, with the support of more than 100 volunteer Captains and their teams, we have generated over 80 pieces of media coverage nationally, had face-to-face meetings with almost 40 Labor representatives and union officials and collected over 11,000 new petition signatures.

Just one of many examples of a Captain who got published in her local paper.

It was all of this tremendous activity that helped make yesterday’s historic vote possible. Together we really have moved the debate around live exports forward and are now one step closer to ending this cruel and unnecessary trade.

On another positive note, Ms Parke also put forward an amendment this weekend calling for an Independent Commission of Animal Welfare, which was passed. WSPA would like to thank Ms Parke for all of her efforts to help improve animal welfare.

WSPA will continue to work with industry and Government to transition away from the live export trade to an alternative that protects animals from cruelty. With the start of a New Year just around the corner, we now have some new opportunities for change for animals that we can pursue - keep a look out for some exciting new initiatives in 2012!

Live Export Policy Debate is an opportunity for Labor to protect animal welfare and create jobs

noreply@blogger.com (www.humanechain.org.au) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 23:29:00 +0000

The future direction of the Australian meat processing and live export industries will be debated at the Labor Party conference this weekend, with delegates considering a policy amendment to support a transition from the live export trade into an expanded chilled, frozen and processed meat trade.

The amendment will ask delegates to support a four-year transition from live export to chilled meat exports, while supporting the infrastructure requirements necessary for a strengthened Australian meat processing industry and promotion of Australian chilled meat products to overseas markets.

The amendment will be proposed by Melissa Parke Federal MP for Fremantle, WA, who said "Independent economic reports have established that a transition would support 5,000 new jobs, and protect many more*.”

“A sheep processed domestically is worth around 20% more to the Australian economy than one exported live and if we’re serious about our responsibilities to protect and create Australian jobs, the chilled meat export industry is the only logical long-term sustainable path,” she concluded.

Federal MP Melissa Parke

The Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) has recently stated in an executive resolution “Executive notes the extent of the outcry emanating from cattle producers following the temporary ban on the live export trade to Indonesia. It is our understanding that Indonesia has indicated it wants to be self sufficient in live cattle by 2014. If so, cattle producers will find themselves in an even worse predicament, unless Australia retains a strong meat-processing sector. The ongoing decline of the Australia meat processing sector is not in the long term interests of either the workers in the sector or the cattle producers”.

Jodie Jankevics, campaigns manager for the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) said, “A well managed transition will save and create Australian jobs, bring more money into our economy and reduce the transportation and slaughter welfare issues that are the inescapable reality of live export.”

“Up to this point live export has been shielded by official party policy support, but this weekend Labor Party delegates have the opportunity to make a change, and represent the views of the overwhelming public majority. We hope to see delegates choose jobs, economic growth and compassion by ending this inherently risky trade.”

“Over 110,000 Australians have taken action via WSPA’s live export campaign calling for an end to the trade, and we know many Labor politicians feel that protecting Australian jobs and animals by supporting a transition to chilled meat export makes sense,” she concluded.

A recent Lonergan Research national survey commissioned by WSPA reveals that over 77% of the Australian public believe live export is cruel, and 80% of the population believe the Labor Party should reconsider its support of live export and embrace a transition to locally processed chilled meat export.

Help end Labor’s support of live export at this weekend’s National Conference

noreply@blogger.com (www.humanechain.org.au) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 04:44:00 +0000

Since our Move Forward initiative began in October, supporters from all over the country have helped make significant progress towards our aim of changing Labor’s policy on live exports. With volunteer Captains in over 100 electorates, together we’ve been able to achieve:

Media coverage across the country where volunteer captains have worked with their local communities to demonstrate their opposition to live animal export

An increase in awareness amongst Labor representatives of the benefits of transitioning away from live exports

Over 11,000 new WSPA live export petition signatures, showing that the Australian public still wants to see live exports phased out

Watch the short video above to see Australians in action right across the nation.

Following all this activity, just last week MP Melissa Parke confirmed that an amendment to the Labor Policy Platform will be debated this weekend at Labor’s National Conference. The amendment will call for a four-year transition from live export to chilled meat exports, while supporting industry investment in the infrastructure necessary for a strengthened Australian meat processing industry.

You can help get this amendment passed and help end Labor’s support for the cruel trade

It’s just four days until the Labor Conference, but it’s not too late for you to take action to help end the cruelty of live exports:

1. Meet, write to, or call your State or Federal Labor MP, or Senator, asking them to support the live export amendment at the National Labor Conference. You can find your Federal MP contact details at www.humanechain.org/take-action

2. Call your local talkback radio station and voice your opposition to the live export trade

3. Ask your friends to take action, by sharing a link to: www.humanechain.org/take-action

This vital shift in Labor policy would allow Labor MPs to act, and work to diversify agricultural opportunities beyond this inherently cruel trade. Wouldn’t this be a great start to the New Year?

Senate Live Export Report Prolongs Misery and Stifles Opportunity For Genuine Reform

noreply@blogger.com (www.humanechain.org.au) — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 03:55:00 +0000

A new Senate inquiry released last night into the live export industry has failed to address the serious welfare and employment concerns of the Australian public.

WSPA is disappointed that submissions of support for a phase out of live export, due to the inherent welfare risks involved in the trade, noted by a number of key animal protection organisations, were not adequately reflected within the recommendations.

Campaign Manager Jodie Jankevics said, “Today, live export is still an industry where sheep and cattle can be slaughtered inhumanely, while fully conscious, and tens of thousands of animals will still die horrific deaths from stress, starvation and disease on lengthy and overcrowded sea voyages. This is something the Australian public will never accept.”

“It makes no sense that these recommendations continue to protect an industry in the North that is struggling to make significant profits and beholden to importing country demands, for example the weight restrictions placed by Indonesia, when there is a golden opportunity to create security, jobs and welfare guarantees by backing the chilled meat export alternative.

It is however pleasing to see that Senators realise the North is currently too heavily reliant on the inherently risky live trade, and that processing infrastructure needs to be considered.

WSPA is not calling for an overnight ban, but a properly managed transition to a local chilled meat export industry that can protect and create more Australian rural jobs, result in higher profitability through value add opportunities, continue to provide farmers with a market for their animals that isn’t beholden to foreign government policy, and address the public’s welfare concerns.

RAIN HAIL OR SHINE SYDNEY RESIDENTS ARE COMITTED TO ENDING LIVE EXPORT

noreply@blogger.com (www.humanechain.org.au) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 00:38:00 +0000

Over 700 Australians from Labor MP Tanya Plibersek’s electorate of Sydney have joined www.humanechain.org united against the cruel and economically backward live animal export trade.

Despite wet conditions a group of volunteers led by vet student and President of the University of Sydney Animal Welfare Society Sy Woon, wearing animal shaped billboards, delivered end live export petition figures to Ms Plibersek’s office this morning.

In a press release today Sy said, “We're here to tell people that live export hasn’t gone away, and the issues haven’t been solved. Australian sheep and cattle still endure overcrowded and deadly transportation to distant countries, where they are subjected to brutal treatment and inhumane slaughter - often whilst fully conscious. It’s essential that local politicians understand the public outrage.”

Today’s protest, a replica of that held in Melbourne just last week, is part of a nationwide program of local events co-ordinated by WSPA, which is calling on Labor MP’s to shift support away from live export, and transition to a chilled meat export trade when they meet for the national Labor Party Conference in December. At this stage an amendment will be debated and is currently backed by a number of unions and Members of Parliament.

Alongside the Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union (AMIEU), WSPA recently joined forces on a video ‘Live Exports, Jobs and The Economy: a solution to the live animal export trade’, answering crucial questions on the economic and job losses caused by the live trade. Any help to circulate this video is greatly appreciated.

It’s time for Labor to really Move Forward.

Herd of local people hits Melbourne’s streets to demand action from Labor on live exports

noreply@blogger.com (www.humanechain.org.au) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 01:33:00 +0000

A herd of animal activists wearing sheep and cow shaped billboards delivered end live export petitions and the findings of a new live export public opinion poll to the offices of Martin Ferguson, MP for Batman and Michael Danby, MP for Melbourne Ports today.

The national Lonergan Research survey, was commissioned by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and reveals that over 77% of the Australian public believe live export is cruel, and 80% of the population believe the Labor Party should reconsider its support of the disgraced live export industry and embrace a transition to locally processed chilled meat export.

The protest is part of a nationwide program of local events co-ordinated by WSPA, which is calling on Labor MP’s to shift support away from live export, and transition to a chilled meat export trade when they meet for the national Labor Party Conference in December.

Adam Valvasori, spokesperson for the group said, “We’re here to let people know that live export is still happening. Australian cows and sheep are still being subjected to long, overcrowded and deadly transportation overseas; with the prospect of inhumane slaughter while fully conscious when they reach foreign abattoirs.

“Our local politicians need to know that the public still care about this national shame, so we’re presenting them with a humanechain.org.au petition, signed by over 800 people in Batman and 700 people in Melbourne Ports calling for an end to live export,” he concluded.

Jodie Jankevics, campaign manager at WSPA said, “Over 100,000 Australians have signed the humanechain.org.au petition calling for an end to live export, and we know many Labor politicians feel that protecting Australian jobs and animals by supporting a transition to chilled meat export makes sense.

“Labor currently supports live export, but the December Labor Party conference gives MP’s the opportunity to vote for a planned transition away from live export, to the more humane and economically viable chilled meat trade.

“We are calling on Martin Ferguson, Michael Danby and the rest of the Labor Party to take a stand for common sense and compassion by supporting a change in party policy that will end this unethical and outdated trade,” she concluded.

FREMANTLE EVENT ATTRACTS A HUGE CROWD IN SUPPORT OF AN END TO LIVE EXPORTS

noreply@blogger.com (www.humanechain.org.au) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:42:00 +0000

Written by WSPA Captain and Stop Live Exports volunteer, Katrina Love

On Sunday 13 November, some 370 people from all walks of life turned up for Stop Live Exports’ Human Chain across Fremantle’s Stirling Bridge as part of the WSPA Move Forward Campaign. We asked people to wear black and to identify themselves with a sign that read “I AM A _________ OPPOSED TO LIVE EXPORT”. We had many nurses, teachers, students, animal lovers, children and dogs, and the odd “meat eater”, “vegan”, “human being” and “Earthling” (ME!).

Overall Australia has exported over 150 million animals for slaughter in the last 30 years. We chose to hold this silent, peaceful demonstration on this particular bridge, as it’s likely up to 120 million of them, began their arduous journey by crossing it.

Our aim was to be a visible reminder to the Government (both State and Federal), the media and to the public, that there is a diverse section of the Australian public who are opposed to live animal export. No matter what changes are made in the importing countries, no matter what the stun rate is, no matter if or how they track animals, it does not alter the fact that the transport will always be inherently cruel.

Jonny Warrington filmed the event and it was photographed by Alex Cearns, a multi-award-winning photographer and close personal friend. Channel 10 turned up, interviewed Greens MP, Lynn McLaren and it aired on the 6 pm news. Channel 7 also turned up and interviewed our office volunteer, Robyn McMahon’s daughter and also aired on the 6 pm news. RTR FM and PerthNow also covered the event, and I was interviewed by both.

The police were very unobtrusive and supportive, with the water-police below even giving us a wave and blast of their siren.

Special thanks go to Jaki Greenfield, WSPA Captain for Fremantle and Stop Live Export’s BLEAT (Ban Live Export Action Team): Lizzy, Jane, Julia, Fern, Michelle and of course, Sandie Rawnsley, Campaign Manager for Stop Live Exports, who did much of the leg work, but could not be with us on the day.

CAPTAINS HELPING TO END LABORS SUPPORT FOR LIVE EXPORTS AND YOU CAN TOO

noreply@blogger.com (www.humanechain.org.au) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 02:12:00 +0000

Every year in Australia, millions of animals are transported to ports before being loaded onto overcrowded live export ships where they can experience extreme stress, injury, starvation and illness.

Roaming Captain Anna Ludvik visited Port Adelaide recently commenting that she was confronted by “just how industrial the port is…with odd noises and smells … it is no place for animals”, yet sadly our animals will continue to experience such conditions until the live export trade is phased out in favour of a chilled meat trade.

Captain Anna Ludvik wants Port Adelaide to Move Forward

The Port of Fremantle in Western Australia is instrumental to the live export trade in Australia, which is why this Sunday the 13th of November Stop Live Exports in conjunction with Captains Sandie, Jaki and Katrina will be forming a Human Chain across Stirling Bridge to demonstrate the variety of Australian’s who are united in their opposition of the live export trade. Fremantle Labor MP Melissa Parke (pictured below) is firmly against the trade, and she is not alone, a recent poll conducted by Lonergan Research, also found that 80% of Australians believe Labor should support a phase out of live export, in favour of a local chilled meat export industry. If you would like to get involved in this great event, please visit the Move Forward Fremantle electorate page, or email sandie@stopliveexports.org for more information.

Fremantle MP Melissa Parke with Move Forward Captains Jaki and Sandie

If you have a sweet tooth, you can make your way to Frankston in Victoria this Saturday the 12th of November where you can find out more about the benefits of phasing out the live export trade from Dunkley Captain Lauren while enjoying a cruelty free cupcake!

Fellow Victorian Captain Chantal will also be raising awareness at the "Celebrating Seville Festival" this Sunday, why not head down with the kids and meet Matilda the cow who is set to make an appearance between photo shoots.

Matilda the Cow is against live animal exports

If you were in the Melbourne botanical gardens over the weekend, you may have seen Captain Ben from Lalor and the "Run for life" team. If you’d like to know more about some of the great work Ben has been doing in his electorate and why he is passionate about ending the live export trade, you can read all about it in this great article from the Star. Well done Ben!

Melbourne runners and the Move Forward crew

If like us, you are inspired by the wonderful actions of WSPA captain’s uniting across Australia and want to get involved, take a look at www.moveforward.org.au where you can get in touch with your local captain, or follow us on facebook to keep up to date with all of the exciting events and media coverage.