National Opinion poll says more Aussies want an alternate chilled meat trade
Nov 24, 2011
© WSPA
It’s literally less than 10 days until Labor’s National Conference, on 2 - 4 December. There has been loads of activity around the ‘Move Forward’ campaign since it launched in late September, with over 50 supporter events and almost 10,000 signatures collected.
A new national survey commissioned by WSPA and released earlier this month revealed 77% of Australians still think the live export industry is cruel, despite Governments recent claims that new reform will reduce the abuse of exported Australian animals. The poll conducted by Lonergan Research, also found that 80% of Australians believe Labor should support a phase out of live export, in favour of a local chilled meat export industry.
WSPA Campaign Manager Jessica Borg said, “No amount of spin can disguise the fact that live export is still an industry where sheep and cattle can be slaughtered inhumanely, while fully conscious.”
“Due to live export, tens of thousands of animals will still die horrific deaths from stress, starvation and disease on lengthy and overcrowded sea voyages. The poll results show Labor should not under estimate the continuing depth of public concern over this issue.”
We’ve had some truly amazing events organised right across Australia this month to raise awareness about the live animal export issue, some of which we’ve highlighted below.
Human Chain across Stirling Bridge in Fremantle
Fremantle Labor MP Melissa Parke is firmly against the trade and she is not alone. she is not alone.
The Port of Fremantle in Western Australia is instrumental to the live export trade in Australia, which is why on Sunday 13 November, Stop Live Exports in conjunction with WSPA, organised a ‘Human Chain’ across the Stirling Bridge in Fremantle.
More than 370 of participants from all walks of life united in their opposition of the live export trade, turned up to link hands and form a chain across the bridge to raise awareness of the cruelty and the alternatives.
Overall Australia has exported over 150 million animals for slaughter in the last 30 years. This silent, peaceful demonstration was chosen on this particular bridge, as it’s likely up to 120 million of them, began their arduous journey by crossing it.
Moving Forward In Melbourne
© WSPA
On 16 November a herd of animal activists wearing sheep and cow shaped billboards delivered end live export petitions to the offices of Martin Ferguson, MP for Batman and Michael Danby, MP for Melbourne Ports.
Adam Valvasori, spokesperson for the group said, “We’re here to let people know that live export is still happening. Australian cows and sheep are still being subjected to long, overcrowded and deadly transportation overseas, with the prospect of inhumane slaughter while fully conscious when they reach foreign abattoirs.
“Our local politicians need to know that the public still care about this national shame, so we’re presenting them with a humanechain.org.au petition, signed by over 800 people in Batman and 700 people in Melbourne Ports calling for an end to live export,” he said.
Moving Forward In Sydney
© WSPA
Over 700 Australians from Labor MP Tanya Plibersek’s electorate of Sydney have joined www.humanechain.org united against the cruel and economically backward live animal export trade.
On 23 November, despite some pretty miserable wet weather conditions, a group of Sydney based WSPA supporters and volunteers led by vet student and President of the University of Sydney Animal Welfare Society Sy Woon, braved the rain wearing animal shaped billboards, to deliver petition signatures figures to Ms Plibersek’s office.
Sy said, “We're here to tell people that live export hasn’t gone away and the issues haven’t been solved. It’s essential that local politicians understand the public outrage.”
Countdown till the Labor conference
We want to thank our dedicated Move Forward Captains and their teams, our supporters and volunteers for organising so many amazing events right across Australia, gaining extensive media coverage and raising awareness of the cruelty that continues thanks to the trade. You make us proud. The countdown to the conference is now on, so your ongoing support over the next 10 days is much needed - keep up the amazing work!
See how you can take action here.
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