MEDIA RELEASE
31 October 2013

Live export regulations failure cause extreme animal cruelty

Following the disturbing ABC Lateline report on the slaughter of sheep in Jordan in contravention of Australian live export regulations Greens animal welfare spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon has said strong regulatory action needs to be taken against the company.

ABC Lateline - http://www.abc.net.au/lateline/content/2013/s3880669.htm

The Australian Greens will reintroduce their Live Animal Export (Slaughter) Prohibition Bill into Parliament, to end live exports and its related cruelty.

We want to see improved and increased processing in Australia to support local producers and create jobs.

The Australian Greens will also reintroduce their Independent Office of Animal Welfare Bill, to promote and oversee animal welfare.

Commenting on Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce’s claims linking avian influenza outbreaks with an increase in free-range egg production, Greens animal welfare spokesperson Senator Lee Rhiannon said Mr Joyce’s actions worked against the interests of the industry as well as belittling animal welfare standards. 

“The claims of the Agriculture Minister are ludicrous and just show what lengths he will go to back the interests of agribusiness,” Senator Rhiannon said. 

Responding to Prime Minister Abbott’s agreement to increase the quota of animals that will suffer as part of the live cattle trade to Indonesia, the Greens will make ending live exports and establishing an independent Office of Animal Welfare, a post-election priority.

Greens spokesperson for animal welfare Senator Lee Rhiannon said, “I will reintroduce the Greens bills to end the live export trade and set up the independent Office of Animal Welfare when parliament resumes”.

The Australian Greens will reintroduce their Live Animal Export (Slaughter) Prohibition Bill into Parliament, to end live exports and its related cruelty.

We want to see improved and increased processing in Australia to support local producers and create jobs.

The Australian Greens will also reintroduce their Independent Office of Animal Welfare Bill, to promote and oversee animal welfare.

The Australian Greens today announced their animal welfare election priorities as ending live exports and establishing an independent Office of Animal Welfare.

The Greens launched their animal welfare initiative at the Marrickville factory of Feather and Bone.

Greens spokesperson for animal welfare Senator Lee Rhiannon said, “We appreciate the opportunity to launch the Greens commitment to animal welfare at Feather and Bone. 

Commenting on today’s announcement by the Labor Party that they would phase out the sale of cosmetics which have been tested on animals, the Australian Greens have supported the RSPCA’s call for all political parties to commit to this. 

Australian Greens spokesperson for animal welfare Senator Lee Rhiannon said: “This must not be just another election eve announcement and we are ready to work with all parties to ensure this is legislated. 

“'No animal testing' has been a long standing policy of the Australian Greens.