Live export cruelty

I WAS appalled to learn the Labor Government already back-flipped on its pre-election commitment to end live export of animals.

Labor claims this matter will be dealt with in its second term of government, if re-elected. The industry has repeatedly been exposed as a failing, outdated and torturous industry that has been in decline for decades.

According to Animals Australia, animals aboard live export ships are routinely subjected to treatment that is not only cruel, but also in breach of Australian animal welfare laws.

A hundred thousand litres of urine and faeces accumulate daily aboard ships, and the ship will not be washed out until the animals disembark weeks to months later. Some animals cannot access food and water.

Pregnant animals are boarded onto ships and their babies will be killed shortly after being born.

There are other ways the Government can support Australian farmers without depending on profits from the shameful live export industry.

Delaying action until the next term of government will mean millions of Australian animals will suffer, and sends a clear message that the Labor Government does not care about adhering to animal welfare legislation.

Alyson Ryan, Bridgewater