Hundreds rally to close the loophole on non-stun slaughter

27 October 2011 Have your say

Hundreds of people, and one inspring sheep, joined Animals Australia for an urgent rally to help close the loophole that is permitting some Australian abattoirs to slaughter fully conscious sheep without stunning.

UPDATE: 28 October 2011
Despite clear scientific evidence an overwhelming community sentiment, the primary industries ministers have failed to arrive at a decision on non-stun slaughter. Click here to learn more.

We'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the hundreds of caring people of Melbourne who joined Animals Australia on Thursday evening to call for an end to conscious slaughter in Australia.

As the primary industries ministers arrived at the MCG for their dinner meeting, they couldn't miss the clear message from the crowd of concerned Victorians (and one very handsome sheep) — a reminder that all Australians who care about animals are depending on them to close the loophole on un-stunned slaughter. Click here to watch the video coverage on ABC.

In the past two days, over 17,000 Animals Australia supporters have written to these ministers. Those who came to the MCG proudly represented all those who care about this issue.

We expect the ministers discussed their decision on Thursday evening. On Friday morning during the vote, there will be no doubt in their minds what the Australian community expects of them. We await the outcome of this decision and will post updates to this page and via Facebook as soon as the outcome has been made public.

Thank you again to everyone who joined our campaigners and Timmy the Sheep (from Edgar's Mission) at the MCG at such short notice to send one final and very important plea for mercy. While there were some ministers who evaded our gathering, we have sent the photograph below to all ministers to ensure they can see how important this issue is to caring people like you. Click here to see more photos from this event on our Facebook page.

Post a commentYour Say: 29 comments

sue- Adelaide: radio Thursday, 10 November 2011 at 7:23am

anyone in adelaide to day   at 9am on abc radio  there is a talk on  why we are stlii allowing exemptions  for non stunning the host of that programe is very good at giving people time to speak  I was on there last time  and he was very sympathetic  so anyone in Adelaide the more people that ring the station the better .

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Laura of Adelaide: Gorgeous Timmy..... Monday, 7 November 2011 at 8:50pm

....Look at that picture of gorgeous Timmy the Sheep...isn't he such a lovely boy?!  Someone loves him and takes good care of him....pity not more people loved those sheep you see in fields as you're driving in the country.  I often think to myself: "I wonder how much longer they have got left" and:  "Are they destined for Australian or overseas slaughter?"  Not nice thoughts, especially when you are supposedly driving along in the countryside for enjoyment.
Let's hope that Timmy's owners let him roam free in a big meadow, filled with other sheep and that he lives a long and happy life, the little darling.....

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Charles Zammit: New Prime Minister Tuesday, 1 November 2011 at 2:19pm

Briefly,get rid of Gillard install Lyn White and bestow an OAM to Mr Wilkie. I wish he was here in Qld,I would personally guarantee my whole suburb would make sure that he was re-elected next time round.Get on with the job,alleviate all animal suffering or look for another job,try the meatworks.

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Susan: Rally for Sydney? Friday, 28 October 2011 at 8:57pm

Hello Everyone,

Any possible chance for a rally in Sydney?

My friends and I still have our signs from the last rally, so we are ready to go!

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Sophie: READ Friday, 28 October 2011 at 7:56pm

Thanks Timmy the sheep, one day they  will listen to you and the caring people of Australia.


http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/content/201110/s3350380.htm

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Hazel Evanmes: Thanks Melbourne!! Friday, 28 October 2011 at 4:38pm

I was wrapped to hear the turn out at the MCG was in the hundreds. Thanks so much to all who attended. Lets hope and pray the decision makers hear your voices, loud and clear!! and bring an end to this barbaric practice.
Also, it's great to see there are still so many people out there, prepared to be a voice for the voiceless. It demonstrates, we have not gone away, and that the outcry to protect the innocent is as strong as ever. THANKS AGAIN EVERYONE!!!

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Chris Kelly: Well done all-let's keep it up Friday, 28 October 2011 at 4:10pm

I couldn't attend the rally because I was at the vet with my dog who had surgery yesterday, but while I was sitting waiting to collect my dog and was wishing that I could have attended the rally - a lady walked out with her gorgeous sheep that she had paid hundreds for to have surgery. It ran up to me for a pat. I hope it was a sign of good things. What a contrast to how farmed sheep are treated.

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Vanessa: Great Job! Friday, 28 October 2011 at 3:54pm

Just wanted to say Great work everyone! A constant reminder for those who forget is so important.

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Val: STOP LIVE EXPORTS Friday, 28 October 2011 at 11:25am

Hi Timmy.He looks like Charlie my old sheep from years ago.I am glad the rally turned out okay.i hope it helps our babies.You can donate or talk to people in Fremantle about live exports.Email i have sent them a donation to help with transporting the animals safely.I Wish they were left here.You can phone (08)94308839  to ask questions.I used to watch helpless as the ships set sheep overseas.We all need to help.Yes boss i am going.My cat.

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Kaye Baillie: End un-stunned slaughter! Friday, 28 October 2011 at 11:23am

What a great group who turned out at MCG. Wish I lived closer but hopefully my emails and phone calls will put across the message that animals matter - that we care.
To not treat animals with respect is such a shame. While they ask for so little, we take so much. It's out of balance. Why can't the government see this? Humans are supposed to be superior through their ability to show empathy and remorse. I'm not seeing any of this in the government or the livestock industry.

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Sharon Stevenson: Good Work Friday, 28 October 2011 at 11:15am

I am from Brisbane, would have loved to attended.  Thankyou to the people of Melbourne (and Timmy) who went and represented the many people from all over Australia (and the world) who want these cruel practices stopped.  Good on you all for keeping the message in the forefront of these politicians minds.

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Laura of Adelaide: Thanks to All... Friday, 28 October 2011 at 9:56am

Thank you to all you inspiring people who, at very short notice, dropped everything in your undoubtebly busy lives and were a voice for our animals!  Each and every one of you represented thousands of Australians who, like you, have such very deep concern for the welfare of livestock in this country.  I attended both the Adelaide Rally for an Ban on Live Animal Export and the protest at Port Adelaide for the "Al Messilah" Sheep Transport Ship, bound for the Middle East.  Like you, I and everyone else there, were representative of the many thousands against this evil trade.
This is a massive blemish on Australia's renowned reputation as a caring and fair country and the world at large is starting to question that belief.
Thank you all again....and Timmy the Sheep!  Laura of Adelaide xx

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