Govt regulations fail - time to end live export trade

The Greens have renewed their call to end Australia's live export trade following the latest exposure of the failure of federal government regulations to stop extreme animal cruelty in overseas abattoirs.

"The recent Animals Australia investigation reveals barbaric acts inflicted on cattle in a major Israeli abattoir, approved to operate under Australia's Exporter Supply Chain Assurance System," Senator Lee Rhiannon, Greens animal welfare spokesperson said.

"The relevant question Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce needs to answer is how many incidents of extreme cruelty at ESCAS approved overseas abattoirs are needed before he recognises the system cannot work.

"The ESCAS system, operating now for three years, is an excuse for the government of the day to make out they have a solution. The latest CCTV footage however is more proof of the extent of the failure of these regulations.

"The reality that the supply chain system does not stop animal cruelty is revealed not just when these incidents are exposed but also with the fact that it is Animals Australia that reveals these crimes.

"Why didn't ESCAS officials expose this latest incident?

"This failed scheme is backed by the National, Liberals and Labor parties.

"In two years incidents of extreme animal cruelty have occurred at both of Israel's major abattoirs. Both are ESCAS approved but the cruelty inflicted on the animals continues.

"I congratulate Animals Australia on conducting this important investigation.

"Australia is overdue to end ending this cruel trade," Senator Rhiannon said.

Contact - Brami Jegan 0487 350 880