Media release

Australia’s peak veterinary organisation says that veterinary expertise is critical to ensuring the health and welfare of animals in the live export industry.

“We are appalled by the images of the treatment of Australian livestock in last night’s ABC Four Corners,” said Dr Barry Smyth, President of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA).

“The AVA has serious concerns about the welfare of exported Australian livestock and the failure to use methods of humane slaughter on these animals.

“We are glad to see that industry has already taken action on this issue. However, we urge both the government and industry to redouble their efforts to improve animal welfare standards in Indonesia and other countries where we export animals.”

Dr Smyth also called on government and industry to engage with the veterinary profession.

“It is important that government and industry work with the veterinary profession to ensure that standards of animal welfare are maintained in all areas of live export.

“The AVA considers that importing countries must meet similar animal welfare standards as exist in Australia, including for humane slaughter.

 “If Australia can positively influence animal welfare standards to this degree in other countries, it would be a great achievement and a real demonstration of global leadership,” he said.