Epsilon Archive for Student Projects

Abstract

Live exports of animals began during the late 19th century and are nowadays a valuable alternative to the slaughter industry in Australia. About four million sheep and half a million to one million cattle are exported annually from Australia to the Middle East and Southeast Asia. Most of these animals are exported for slaughter, but some cattle are exported with the purpose of breeding. One factor that has been the driving force for the live export industry is that countries through tariffs and other barriers have favored the import of live animals rather than the import of meat.

The export means that animals with a great cognitive ability are exposed to a long chain of production from the farm to the market and there are many factors that can affect the welfare of the animals in a negative way. Some of the most serious are high temperatures and a high stocking density, although seasickness, noises and handling can also have a negative impact on the welfare of animals. The process of export begins when the animals are mustered at the production site and ends when the animals are slaughtered in the importing countries. During this time animals have been handled at least five times.

There are many reports that show an inhumane treatment and slaughter of animals in the importing countries. When animals arrive in these countries they are transported further and they are in many cases exposed to a treatment that would have been illegal in Australia. After this the animals are slaughtered in slaughterhouses or through religious ceremonies at home, without being stunned first. The Australian government and the export industry are working together with their business-partners to improve the transportation, handling and slaughter of animals in the importing countries. There are many who would like to see a shift from the live exports towards exports of frozen meat. Supporters of the live export assure that the possibility of a change towards exports of frozen meat are in fact minimal since strong cultural preferences and limited possibilities of keeping the meat cold in many countries, prevent Australia from serving these countries only with exports of frozen meat. A ban against live export does not seem possible today since the trade has a strong support from the government and since there are many different businesses involved, which would lead to big consequences if it ceased. However, liquidation over a number of years could be an alternative.