Welcome to 3AW. Skip directly to: Search Box, Section Navigation, Content.

3AW - Fairfax Radio Network

Thursday May 24, 2012

What we're talking about

Government 'bungles' live export crisis

Posted by: 3AW Radio | 7 July, 2011 - 8:54 AM
cow

Animal welfare activists are concerned the resumption of live cattle exports to Indonesia marks a return to industry self-regulation which saw the mistreatment of animals before slaughter.

The federal government has lifted its suspension on the trade saying it is now up to exporters to prove animals are treated humanely.

But Lisa Chalk from the RSPCA says the new standards do NOT require the practice of stunning before slaughter even though it's accepted by major cattle producers.

Neil Mitchell's discussion with Elders and the RSPCA is playing now.

PETER MAHER: Nico Botha, who is a cattle farmer in Western Australia, attempted a publicity stunt yesterday that was both demeaning and insulting to all farmers in this country.

Botha said that he was about to shoot dead 3,000 of his cattle herd because he no longer could afford to feed his stock due to live cattle exports to Indonesia being banned by the Federal Government.

Nico Botha and Tony Abbott both blame Julia Gillard for Nico Botha's plight.

The fact is that it is not Julia Gillard's fault that cattle were being treated in transit to these abattoirs in Indonesia in a manner that was totally unacceptable.

We are not a barbaric country - we do not treat animals cruelly for either pleasure of for profit. And in particular our farmers do not hold their animals out for ransom like Nico Botha did yesterday.

We have seen enough of our stock euthanized because of no feed due to drought or other natural disasters that Mother Nature can inflict. No farmer ever wants to see one of their stock ill-treated irrespective of how much money involved in the transaction.

This whole debacle has got nothing to do with live cattle exports it is animal cruelty, that's it – animal cruelty. Are we happy for our animals to be treated in this appalling money for profit and of course the answer is no.

This is not the fault of government it is the fault of the industry that they have allowed this deplorable situation to get to where it is today.

This is the reason you have industry associations and why you pay them levies on sales to make sure these disruptions do not occur.

Indonesia has now banned all live imports of cattle and they can ban oxygen as well for all I care because they do not determine what is cruel and what is not cruel in this country.

The most important decision now is that live exports can recommence on our terms – not on the terms of those who have no respect for animal health.

Blog comments Your Say

  • @Daryl, I think the farmer is the one in control of how many cows breed not the cow.
    If your sales are down then just don't allow too much breeding for next season.

    If you can't supply your business with the right equipment then maybe you should not be in that business at all.
    Get your own refrigerators just like all other businesses have to get their own equipment.

    None of this justifies torture of animals. You should not be in the business of livestok if you don't respect it.

    If this year you have too much then I suggest you sell your meat a bit cheaper and you will sell more in Australia.

    Peggy Friday 8 July, 2011 - 1:27 PM

  • re cowboy Dans comment.
    it is quite clear that you have no knowldge of cattle or of the running of a cattle property. as for your statement that cattle would not starve because we have just had a big wet season and there is plenty of grass take into consideration that these cattle have to be shifted to make room for the next lot of calves that are being born. you carn't tell your cows to hold off giving birth as we are getting overstocked.pitty we could not do it with some people as that would make it a lot better.as for selling them boxed beef we already do that but not all are lucky enough to own a fridge, maybe if people like you sent over your fridge & a generator to run it we could send more boxed meat.as to the first line of your comment you are living proof that people with out any idea about of what they are talking about are trying to make descions that effect other peoples lives.ch

    daryl Friday 8 July, 2011 - 9:01 AM

  • Nicko Botha, Stick it up Lousy Ludwig?

    IAN Thursday 7 July, 2011 - 3:31 PM

  • Disgusting decision, live export is despicable and so are the people who are responsible for it. International standards do not require stunning prior to slaughter, they also allow cruel rope slaughter that was seen in Four Corners. Something the government has failed to mention. One thing is for sure though, when another investigation is done (and there will be), live export wont get a second chance...

    Get Real Thursday 7 July, 2011 - 2:52 PM

  • Everything this government touch has got stuff up all over it!!!

    Steve Thursday 7 July, 2011 - 1:57 PM

  • Garrett and Ludwig on the front bench?? Ha Ha??I rest my case.

    IAN Thursday 7 July, 2011 - 12:42 PM

Post a comment * Mandatory fields