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Australia rallies against live export
14 August 2011 Have your say
Thousands of people across the country have united in a public call for an end to the cruelty of live export at the Ban Live Export National Rally
Massive crowds in capital cities across the nation exceeded all expectations today as Australians publicly expressed their opposition to live animal export ahead of a vote next week in federal Parliament which could end the live trade.
Animals Australia Investigator, Lyn White addressed a crowd of several thousand in Sydney:
The overwhelming public response has sent a clear message to federal politicians that Australians will not stay silent while animals continue to be sent to countries where they risk brutal handling and slaughter while fully conscious.
Caring Australians flocked in their thousands to hear Animals Australia investigator Lyn White address crowds in Melbourne and Sydney. The steps of the Victorian Parliament House overflowed while overwhelming support for the Sydney rally required the event to be shifted to a larger venue.
Huge thanks are due to the amazing volunteers who helped make these rallies a huge success, and to the inspiring speakers: RSPCA Victoria's Dr Hugh Wirth, Federal Member for Melbourne Greens' Adam Bandt, Peter Stevenson - Compassion in World Farming Policy Advisor, Senator Lee Rhiannon, Clare Mann, Animals Australia President Joy Verrinder, Andrew Bartlett, Lee Norris (AMIEU), Independent Senator Nick Xenophon, RSPCA SA President Sheree Sellick, Mark Parnell MLC from the SA Greens, MC Stephen Kenny LLB, Lisa Baker (ALP), Lynn MacLaren MLC, RSPCA President Lynne Bradshaw, Mayor of Fremantle Brad Pettitt, RSPCA Australia Chief Scientist Dr Bidda Jones, RSPCA ACT President Sue Gage, Independent MP Andrew Wilkie, RSPCA TAS CEO Ben Sturges, and Brightside Farm Sanctuary's Emma Haswell.
Animals Australia extends a heartfelt thank you to every single person who made time to attend the rallies and give millions of animals a strong voice.
Were you at the rally too? Share your experience with us by leaving a comment below!
Post a commentYour Say: 1312 comments
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JUDITH:
UNBELIEVABLE !!!!
Thursday, 29 September 2011 at 1:24pm
I HAVE SAT WITH MY 2 SONS 13 AND 18 YEARS OLD AND WE WATCHED IN HORROR THE DOCUMENTARY "EARTHLINGS" WE CRIED AND WERE LEFT SPEECHLESS TO THINK THAT OUR FELLOW HUMAN BEINGS THAT WE SHARE THIS PLANET WITH CAN DO SUCH HORRIFIC ACTS TO OUR BEAUTIFUL TRUSTING AND LOVING ANIMALS. I RECOMMEND EVERYONE TO WATCH IT AND TO LET EVERYONE ELSE KNOW TO WATCH IT AS THIS NEEDS TO BE SEEN BY ALL. WE DOWNLOADED IT , I DON'T KNOW IF IT CAN BE PURCHASED ON DVD, BUT ALL MUST SEE IT .MY FAMILY ARE SO DETERMINDED TO MAKE A DIFFERNCE AND BE APART OF THE GROWING COMMUNITY OF ANIMAL ACTIVISTS AND TO STOP ALL THIS ANIMAL CRUELTY. THE INTERNET I THINK IS WHAT IS MAKING A HUGE DIFFERENCE TO STOPPING ALL FORMS OF ANIMAL CRUELTY, THANK GOODNESS WE ARE IN THE AGE OF THIS SOCIAL MEDIA, WE ARE ABLE TO MAKE AWARENESS OF THIS TO EVERYONE. ON ANOTHER NOTE I HAVE NOTICED I GET ALOT OF PEOPLE READING MY BAN THE LIVE EXPORT STICKER THAT I HAVE ON MY CAR BACK WINDOW. I HOPE EVERYONE HAS ONE ON THEIR CAR TOO, I'M STARTING TO SEE MORE AND MORE OF THEM ON PEOPLE'S CARS WHICH IS GREAT, AND A GREAT WAY TO KEEP THIS ISSUE ON EVERYONE'S MINDS. KEEP UP ALL THE GREAT WORK FOR ANIMAL ISSUES EVERYONE, IT IS SO EMPOWERING TO KNOW WE ARE ALL DOING AS MUCH AS WE CAN. OH AND WHAT GREAT FANTASTIC WONDERFUL NEWS IT WAS TO HEAR THAT PAPLOMA IN SPAIN HAS HOSTED ITS LAST BULLFIGHT EVER, ALL THANKS TO THE PUBLIC PRESSURE AND SOMETHING LIKE 200,000 SIGNATURES DEMANDING IT BE STOPPED, SO THIS GIVES US ALL HOPE THAT RIGHT DOES WIN OVER WRONG EVENTUALLY, AND THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE WORLD 'S PEOPLE ARE WONDERFUL KIND PEOPLE WHO WILL NOT TOLERATE ONCE THEY KNOW OF ANY ANIMAL CRUELTY. PAPLOMA HAVE SAID THEY HAVE WON THE BATTLE BUT THE WAR IS NOT YET OVER AS MADRID AND A FEW OTHER PLACES STILL HAVE BULLFIGHTS. I CAN REMEMBER 30 YEARS AGO WRITING A LETTER TO SPAIN DEMANDING THAT BULLFIGHTING BE STOPPED,IT IS SO CRUEL AND BARBARIC AND TO THINK THAT THIS BARBARIC ACTIVITY STEEPED IN TRADITION HAS BEEN STOPPED, WELL IT MEANS THAT ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE. I AM SO HAPPY TO HEAR THIS WONDERFUL NEWS.
LOVE TO ALL XXXX
Show 5 repliesLOVE TO ALL XXXX
natalie:
port adelaide
Monday, 26 September 2011 at 9:48pm
the cows are now geting loaded on the ships at port adelaide
are we doing anythink about it???
Show 4 repliesare we doing anythink about it???
natalie:
the boats are back in town moving live cows
Monday, 26 September 2011 at 9:23pm
the boats are back at port adel moving cows this time is there any think to stop them
ann farrugia:
whats happening
Friday, 23 September 2011 at 5:11pm
whats happening why isnt anyone writing on this blog anymore and what is happening with the cows over seas and all the animals, has everyone forgotten.
Show 7 replies
Cor:
A complete list of all current Australian politicians email addresses
Thursday, 22 September 2011 at 4:13am
A complete and very useful list of all current Australian politicians email addresses can be found at the link:
http://www.christianvalues.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25&Itemid=51
You can use this to email a single protest letter to ALL politicians (MPs and Senators).
http://www.christianvalues.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25&Itemid=51
You can use this to email a single protest letter to ALL politicians (MPs and Senators).
Cor:
A complete list of all current Australian politicians email addresses
Thursday, 22 September 2011 at 4:12am
A complete and very useful list of all current Australian politicians email addresses can be found at the link:
http://www.christianvalues.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25&Itemid=51
You can you this to email a single protest letter to ALL politicians (MPs and Senators).
http://www.christianvalues.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=25&Itemid=51
You can you this to email a single protest letter to ALL politicians (MPs and Senators).
Pauline T:
Lets All Pray For The Animals 2night
Tuesday, 20 September 2011 at 9:11pm
LETS ALL PRAY FOR THE "MANDATORY STUNNING" BILL TO BE PASSED IN PARLIAMENT 2MORO. THIS HAS TO HAPPEN. IT'S NOT MUCH TO ASK FOR. ANIMALS SUFFER WAY TOO MUCH B4 SLAUGHTER, THEY NEED & DESERVE TO HAVE THEIR PAIN MINIMISED DURING SLAUGHTER, SURELY GILLARD CAN'T SAY NO. AND IF SHE DOES SAY NO TO THIS THEN SHE WILL NEVER BAN LIVE EXPORT. THEN WHAT DO WE DO??? ALL OF US WILL BE VERY UPSET & ANGRY TO SAY THE LEAST. ANIMALS AUST & ALL OF US WILL HAVE TO STORM ON CANBERRA, I HOPE AA WILL DO THIS...POOR ANIMALS, THEY SUFFER WAY TO MUCH AS IT IS.....SHE BETTER PASS THIS BLOODY BILL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Show 4 replies
Frank & Sue:
Halhal/Kosher not acceptable
Monday, 19 September 2011 at 1:50pm
Below is the text of a letter I sent to Senator Xenophon (5 Sep 11) If you agree with the request for legal requirements to separate meat products into Halal, Kosher and humanely slaughtered packaging please cut and past the text below and send it to him. Let him know there is a demand for this legislation before we are all forced to accept Halal/ Kosher as the standard in Australia. Australian standards should reject cruel slaughter in the name of religion.
"We have just forwarded an email reply my wife got from Coles regarding meat products in Coles supermarkets.
The essence of their reply appears to be that meat may or may not be subjected to religious slaughter according to the economics of production at the time.
We believe Australian's have a right to know if the meat they buy has been subjected to religious slaughter requirements and such meat should be clearly labelled and kept separate from meat slaughtered in a humane and ethical fashion. If this imposes a cost on the processors, wholesalers and retailers then good old market forces should apply and the cost of the product will reflect that. Those who feel that an animal must undergo ritual slaughter to get them closer to heaven should understand that it is only fitting that the extra costs should be born by them and we who do not wish our meat to be prepared in that way should not have to bear the cost or the guilt that entails.
It would be interesting to see if a Bill making such requirements would pass muster and what arguments would be put up to oppose it.
The majority of Australians should not have to support the slaughter of animals under religious doctrine and be forced to consume it because it is clandestinely marketed for the economic reasons of the industry."
Show 2 replies"We have just forwarded an email reply my wife got from Coles regarding meat products in Coles supermarkets.
The essence of their reply appears to be that meat may or may not be subjected to religious slaughter according to the economics of production at the time.
We believe Australian's have a right to know if the meat they buy has been subjected to religious slaughter requirements and such meat should be clearly labelled and kept separate from meat slaughtered in a humane and ethical fashion. If this imposes a cost on the processors, wholesalers and retailers then good old market forces should apply and the cost of the product will reflect that. Those who feel that an animal must undergo ritual slaughter to get them closer to heaven should understand that it is only fitting that the extra costs should be born by them and we who do not wish our meat to be prepared in that way should not have to bear the cost or the guilt that entails.
It would be interesting to see if a Bill making such requirements would pass muster and what arguments would be put up to oppose it.
The majority of Australians should not have to support the slaughter of animals under religious doctrine and be forced to consume it because it is clandestinely marketed for the economic reasons of the industry."
Ruth Weston:
The upcoming vote
Monday, 19 September 2011 at 9:44am
Are we all flooding our MPs with a request to vote for mandatory stunning before the vote this week? Yes it is NOT ideal - but might bring about more monitoring of the situation??
If it doesn't get passed - any ideas other than write to the papers, email MPs again, buy cruelty free food etc.
Show 1 replyIf it doesn't get passed - any ideas other than write to the papers, email MPs again, buy cruelty free food etc.
Frank & Sue:
sadists
Sunday, 18 September 2011 at 9:04am
just read the story of the pigs being killed in the UK it is definatly the case that abbatoirs attract a violent type of sadists who get off on killing
Show 2 replies
Frank & Sue:
sue of Adelaide
Sunday, 18 September 2011 at 8:56am
Hi Laura after watching a recent programe about whales and dolphins on tv where they said that they expect to be able to talk with the dolphins whithin the next 5 yrs I do not doubt how little we understand about animals even our chickens that can recognise 100 faces of other chicken and care for their young so well. I made a bad mistake writing the email out but Iam going a bit blind as I get older but that will not stop me being at the rally on Tuesday for the horses. The woman tolld me the story at work at the hospital where i volenteer and I had one hell of a job not to cry too much
Show 4 replies
Laura of Adelaide:
Whoops!
Tuesday, 13 September 2011 at 11:28pm
Hadn't quite finished that last post on Bear Farms....what I was going to add was this excerpt is from the Animals Asia website, dated March, 2011. So if the Chinese people can be galvanised into action against this horrific scar on their Nation, so too can the Australian people against ours with the shame of Live Animal Export! This story also illustrates just how much power there is in recruiting celebrities and other Animal Welfare groups to reinforce the message. We will NEVER give in and will always be looking for ways to make this happen!!!
Show 12 replies
Laura of Adelaide:
China's Call to
Tuesday, 13 September 2011 at 11:20pm
In recent weeks China has seen an unprecedented outcry across the country, calling for bear farming to end. We are greatly encouraged by this and by the support of our work throughout nearly two decades of working in China to close down these horrendous "bile factories" once and for all.
Caged, diseased and dying bears continue to have bile painfully extracted.
At this time China is flooded with stories showing the true horrors of the industry: caged, diseased and dying bears, methods of bile extraction supposedly against regulations but still exposed by the media today, contaminated bile, and many of the products illegally exported to other countries.
In what is being termed as a "tipping point", banner headlines call for an end to bear bile farming "Ban Bear Bile Extraction in China As Soon As Possible" and support for the bears is at an all time high. Besides the chorus of protests on TV, radio, newspapers and magazines, even one of the country's top internet providers recently broadcast a story involving celebrities, doctors and 62 nationwide animal welfare groups who have also joined this campaign.
Lawmakers are calling for the escalation of anti cruelty laws which would make bear farming illegal overnight, celebrities such as Karen Mok were featured on a Sina-organised Microblog which saw over 4,000 people involved on the day, and over 90,000 signatures in response to an online signature campaign. Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors have joined the call, arguing that bear bile is not an essential ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, and instead may compromise its legitimacy given the cruelty involved.
Show 1 replyCaged, diseased and dying bears continue to have bile painfully extracted.
At this time China is flooded with stories showing the true horrors of the industry: caged, diseased and dying bears, methods of bile extraction supposedly against regulations but still exposed by the media today, contaminated bile, and many of the products illegally exported to other countries.
In what is being termed as a "tipping point", banner headlines call for an end to bear bile farming "Ban Bear Bile Extraction in China As Soon As Possible" and support for the bears is at an all time high. Besides the chorus of protests on TV, radio, newspapers and magazines, even one of the country's top internet providers recently broadcast a story involving celebrities, doctors and 62 nationwide animal welfare groups who have also joined this campaign.
Lawmakers are calling for the escalation of anti cruelty laws which would make bear farming illegal overnight, celebrities such as Karen Mok were featured on a Sina-organised Microblog which saw over 4,000 people involved on the day, and over 90,000 signatures in response to an online signature campaign. Traditional Chinese Medicine doctors have joined the call, arguing that bear bile is not an essential ingredient in traditional Chinese medicine, and instead may compromise its legitimacy given the cruelty involved.
SARA COE:
halal products
Tuesday, 13 September 2011 at 5:57pm
Hi Everyone,
It's been a while since I have been on this site, but still making my phone calls and keeping up the pressure. This issue is always on my mind, and very close to my heart, just like all of you.
I am writing in response to Laura from ADL , about how the use of halal products have crept onto Australian shelves very quietly, and most shoppers are unaware that they are purchasing a halal product. Our country not only exports our poor cattle to Indonesia and other foreign countires, but they also export food, so things like cheese, yoghurt , chocolate and even the humble marshmallow can be halal. These products have been slowly making their way onto our supermarket shelves for years for Australian consumption.
If you type in "What if I don't want to eat halal food?' into your computer, and hit search it will take you to a blog. About 3/4 of the way down the 1st page a list has been posted, I don't know how accurate it is, but it will surprise you. Sorry a bit technologically challenged, couldn't provide the link.
I think in so many ways it just easier to eliminate animal products from your diet. I have very little diary now, soy milk in a latte takes a little getting used to, but your taste buds will adjust. I occasionally have a little bit of fetta cheese, if I am feeling like a fix. But some advocado or mushrooms on my toast, is 10 times beter than butter, and so many lovely olive oils available now. I also eat the lindt 70% dark choccie, made from cocoa butter, no dairy in there at all. Takes the edge off if you are feeling like a chocolate fix.
I hope this is helpful
Think positive thoughts about the outcome on mandatory stunning, for all those beautiful and gentle creatures that are caught up in this violent trade.
Cheers Sara
Show 8 repliesIt's been a while since I have been on this site, but still making my phone calls and keeping up the pressure. This issue is always on my mind, and very close to my heart, just like all of you.
I am writing in response to Laura from ADL , about how the use of halal products have crept onto Australian shelves very quietly, and most shoppers are unaware that they are purchasing a halal product. Our country not only exports our poor cattle to Indonesia and other foreign countires, but they also export food, so things like cheese, yoghurt , chocolate and even the humble marshmallow can be halal. These products have been slowly making their way onto our supermarket shelves for years for Australian consumption.
If you type in "What if I don't want to eat halal food?' into your computer, and hit search it will take you to a blog. About 3/4 of the way down the 1st page a list has been posted, I don't know how accurate it is, but it will surprise you. Sorry a bit technologically challenged, couldn't provide the link.
I think in so many ways it just easier to eliminate animal products from your diet. I have very little diary now, soy milk in a latte takes a little getting used to, but your taste buds will adjust. I occasionally have a little bit of fetta cheese, if I am feeling like a fix. But some advocado or mushrooms on my toast, is 10 times beter than butter, and so many lovely olive oils available now. I also eat the lindt 70% dark choccie, made from cocoa butter, no dairy in there at all. Takes the edge off if you are feeling like a chocolate fix.
I hope this is helpful
Think positive thoughts about the outcome on mandatory stunning, for all those beautiful and gentle creatures that are caught up in this violent trade.
Cheers Sara
Ruth Weston:
morrow - 13/9
Monday, 12 September 2011 at 9:36am
Hi everyone,
As you know the bill to make stunning mandatory before slaughter will be heard tomorrow. Unfortunately the carbon tax and asylum seeker issues are featuring highly in the news at the moment and "we" are not being featured from what I have seen.
So lets flood the MPs with emails today and really let them know that we want mandatory stunning. My hope is that if they cannot provide mandatory stunning then the whole live trade issue will have to be reviewed.
I am so incensed that I cannot let it go.
Show 2 repliesAs you know the bill to make stunning mandatory before slaughter will be heard tomorrow. Unfortunately the carbon tax and asylum seeker issues are featuring highly in the news at the moment and "we" are not being featured from what I have seen.
So lets flood the MPs with emails today and really let them know that we want mandatory stunning. My hope is that if they cannot provide mandatory stunning then the whole live trade issue will have to be reviewed.
I am so incensed that I cannot let it go.
Laura of Adelaide:
Watch what you put in your shopping trolley...!
Friday, 9 September 2011 at 9:43pm
Hi guys....just been shopping in Woolies and was like a mad woman possessed - checking all the labels to make sure they were NOT HALAL CERTIFIED!!!!!!!!! Was totally horrified to see so many household brands that have succumed to the new "guests" in this country who have pressurised various food companies to ensure their products are certified Halal. They've sold us out, people - to line their pockets through the unnessesary suffering of our beautiful animals....the BEGA CHEESE AND COON were ditched back in the refrigerator...whilst a homebrand looked safe. I was even looking at biscuits as you never know. Can someone from this site give a comprehensive list of brands to boycott from now on as they have sold their soul??!
Show 8 replies
Ruth Weston:
Now is the time - AGAIN..........
Friday, 9 September 2011 at 10:09am
Hi AA friends and all other animal lovers/advocates,
Nearly everyone on this site is working their butts of to contact labour politians. I am desperate that our voices are heard - although I don't think that mandatory stunning is good enough. - but better than nothing?
Someone posted a list of u tube videos etc and I watched one on pigs being killed with electrocution (I think it was) in the UK. It was absolutely horrific - they were screaming and trying to jump over one another to escape. I just cannot comprehend the cruelty. The men were stubbing live cigarettes onto the pigs faces.
Why we say that bad people act like animals I don't know. WE are the animals that behave in an atrocious way.
So I know we will be pulling out the stops over the next few days before the vote on mandatory stunning is heard. WE MUST BE HEARD. Please, please, please.
Show 5 repliesNearly everyone on this site is working their butts of to contact labour politians. I am desperate that our voices are heard - although I don't think that mandatory stunning is good enough. - but better than nothing?
Someone posted a list of u tube videos etc and I watched one on pigs being killed with electrocution (I think it was) in the UK. It was absolutely horrific - they were screaming and trying to jump over one another to escape. I just cannot comprehend the cruelty. The men were stubbing live cigarettes onto the pigs faces.
Why we say that bad people act like animals I don't know. WE are the animals that behave in an atrocious way.
So I know we will be pulling out the stops over the next few days before the vote on mandatory stunning is heard. WE MUST BE HEARD. Please, please, please.
Elizabeth:
Senator Scott Ryan
Thursday, 8 September 2011 at 2:40pm
Just got a letter from Scott Ryan who is a Liberal senator for Victoria. Same crap, different day. At least he signed the letter personally!
What annoys me the most in these letters is the statement "Australia is the only country in the world actively working to improve animal care in our destination markets". Well Mr Ryan (and all the other Liberal Party members) WHY HAVE WE KNOWN ABOUT THIS STUFF FOR 10 YEARS OR MORE AND NOTHING HAS BEEN ACHIEVED!!????? Remind me - there was a Liberal Government in power during this time, was there not? So what did they do about it?
God help the animals.
Show 5 repliesWhat annoys me the most in these letters is the statement "Australia is the only country in the world actively working to improve animal care in our destination markets". Well Mr Ryan (and all the other Liberal Party members) WHY HAVE WE KNOWN ABOUT THIS STUFF FOR 10 YEARS OR MORE AND NOTHING HAS BEEN ACHIEVED!!????? Remind me - there was a Liberal Government in power during this time, was there not? So what did they do about it?
God help the animals.
Vanessa Dodds:
Scotland Behind You
Friday, 2 September 2011 at 9:32pm
Please do not stop "fighting " this Disgusting Trade-here in the U.K.
the British Veterinary group condemn Halal, what are the Australian
Vets saying?
I can only imagine your M.P.s do not have any pets and are very ignorant to animals.
A huge thankyou to Ruth Weston for her part in making us aware
here in the UK, and to all of you who are working so hard to stop
this cruelty please do not stop ,you will get there in the end,
Best wishes from Sotland x
Show 4 repliesthe British Veterinary group condemn Halal, what are the Australian
Vets saying?
I can only imagine your M.P.s do not have any pets and are very ignorant to animals.
A huge thankyou to Ruth Weston for her part in making us aware
here in the UK, and to all of you who are working so hard to stop
this cruelty please do not stop ,you will get there in the end,
Best wishes from Sotland x
See also:Live export exposé wins at the LogiesEvidence mounts against live exportAnimals Australia urges Egypt to take stranded cattleOpinion: Our live export shameLabor MPs tell government not to settle with cattle exporters
Millions of Australian animals are exported live to countries where they routinely suffer unspeakable cruelty that would be illegal in Australia. Find out more...
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