Dr Dennis Jensen MP

The mistreatment of Australian cattle in Indonesia is shocking and unacceptable to all Australians, especially our farmers.
Australian farmers quite rightly take immense pride in breeding and raising healthy and well cared for cattle in line with the highest animal welfare standards.
Images on Four Corners last week were abhorrent to every farmer and every Australian.

I encourage you to visit my office to add your name to my petition on the matter.

TO THE HONOURABLE THE SPEAKER AND MEMBERS OF
THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

This petition of concerned citizens of Australia, draws to the attention of the House, the shocking treatment of our live stock in Indonesia by certain abattoirs as was shown on the ABC’s 4Corners expose (Monday 30th May 2011).
We therefore ask the House to suspend all livestock being delivered to Indonesian abattoirs which do not up hold the highest standards (Australian Standards) of animal Welfare.


It is true that over the past 15 years Australia has been the only country in the world to invest in improving animal welfare standards in the markets in which we operate. Positive ground has been made, but not enough. The industry must use its influence to achieve better results.

Our government and the industry invest heavily to constantly improve all aspects of animal health, husbandry and welfare. Both the government and industry have worked together to install state-of-the-art stunning facilities in major abattoirs in Indonesia and this must be bolstered to make it universal practice.

Calls to end the live trade entirely are ill-advised and knee-jerk. The Liberal and National Parties are prepared to work with the government to deliver improved animal welfare standards among our trading partners. Shutting the door will just hurt the cause of eliminating animal cruelty.